Covington, Ky. – Mason Arnold has been sworn in as the newest recruit of the Covington Police Department after spending a year gaining practical experience through the department's cadet program. This program involved completing police reports, developing radio traffic skills, learning to use a Mobile Digital Terminal (MDT), and patrolling city streets.
Mayor Ron Washington administered the oath of office to Arnold, marking his first such duty since taking office. Reflecting on his own career start as a Florence Police Officer at 21, Washington remarked, “I don’t think there’s anything more sacred than the oath you’re going to be taking.”
Washington acknowledged both the challenges and rewards of police work. “You help a lot of people, and a lot of people will look to him for guidance and help,” he said. He emphasized the importance of representing Covington's diverse community values.
Arnold shared that becoming a police officer is a family tradition. “During my senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to be a police officer,” he said. “I have a lot of people in my family who are police officers and they’re all in Covington.”
Police Chief Brian Valenti expressed satisfaction with Arnold's progress through the cadet program. “The cadet program is so good for us,” Valenti stated. “Not only does it give these folks experience out in the field – which is priceless, to be honest – but it also gives us a chance to see what kind of police officer he might be.”
The Police Cadet Program requires at least 18 months of training within the department, covering federal, state, and local laws and ordinances along with basic police work knowledge through various methods.
Arnold graduated from Gallatin County High School and will soon complete an associate degree in science from Gateway Community and Technical College before attending the Police Academy at the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond.