[Clinton, N.C.] – The Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Sampson Community College (SCC) works to train and prepare recruits for successful careers in law enforcement across North Carolina. One of those former students is School Resource Officer (SRO) Kaleab Stevens, a 2023 BLET graduate who now serves with the Clinton Police Department (PD).
Graduating from Union High School in 2020, Stevens enrolled in the BLET program at SCC in August 2022 with the goal of obtaining his Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate. Growing up, Stevens always dreamed of becoming a law enforcement officer, and after completing several “ride-alongs” with Clinton PD, was introduced to SCC’s BLET program by the officers.
He explained, “I chose law enforcement as my career because it has always been my childhood dream. Being a police officer was the only thing I wanted to be in this world. I plan to help the people in my community by talking to them. I’ve always had a gift of talking to people. The way I can use my gift to help my community is talking to them and letting them know that law enforcement is not always about taking people to jail.”
Recalling his experience in BLET, Stevens remarked that his favorite part of the program was the “support” he received from both his instructors and classmates throughout, in addition to learning how to drive the police cars.
Stevens personally thanked Chief Anthony Davis, BLET Director & Instructor, and Captain Robert Stroud, BLET Program Qualified Assistant (QA), whom he credited with influencing him the most during the program— cultivating leadership skills essential to his future career.
“Captain Stroud and Chief Davis both put me in the role as the leader for the class,” Stevens recounted. “They both taught me that one day I will be in charge of others, and they showed me what it takes to be a good leader. Also, Captain Stroud said almost every day that it’s the little things that matters. I know that the instructors and directors really do care about your future and they will do everything they can to make sure that you succeed. They will let you know that quitting is not an option.”
In a quote, Stroud stated that Stevens had been a “model recruit” all throughout his time in BLET. In Stroud’s eyes, there was “never a dull moment” with Stevens around, and he admired his passion and determination to assist students through law enforcement after graduation.
Stroud recalled, “Kaleab took on a leadership role during his time here on campus. It was clear that he knew his path when coming into law enforcement. He would always tell me he was going to work in the schools. He wanted to be a role model to students. Never complained, always had a smile on his face and respectful. His personality and demeanor will bode well for him as a School Resource Officer.”
Since September 2023, Stevens has served as an SRO with the Clinton Police Department. His job is to ensure that both students and staff can operate within a safe educational environment. Stevens also works to remind students that their actions have consequences and encourages them to always “think before they act” in every situation.
He voiced about his position, “The reason why I applied at Clinton Police Department was because I knew that the officers there treat you like family. I also knew that Clinton Police Department has an awesome Chief. I want to educate the people in my community in every way that I can and teach the younger children that being a police officer is a very good career.”
In addition to SRO, Stevens also serves in the U.S. Army National Guard, enlisting when he was 17 years old. Future-wise, he hopes to continue assisting his community and educating students on the benefits of a career in law enforcement—opportunities he now has because of SCC.
“I would most definitely recommend SCC’s BLET program to other future officers,” Stevens closed. “My experience was the best because I had supportive classmates and supportive instructors. SCC was very worth it because if it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am at right now. I enjoyed going to class every night because I knew that each day, I would be closer to my dream.”
Sampson CC extends its appreciation to Officer Stevens for his service and commitment to ensuring the safety of our local community. The College is proud to have played a role in his law enforcement career and looks forward to seeing all he will continue to do with the Clinton Police Department.
For more information about the BLET program or how to enroll, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/blet
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
