INA — Effingham Police Chief Jeff Fuesting recently took time to impart some useful knowledge to a packed room of students in the Rend Lake College Criminal Justice Program. The talk focused on what types of qualities police departments are looking for in applicants. Chief Fuesting said that his department is looking for graduates with high character, integrity, and values. “We can’t teach you those skills,” said Fuesting. “We can teach you how to be a police officer. Right now, we need problem-solvers.”
The Chief also spoke on his experience in Ferguson and Jennings, Missouri during the unrest in 2014 and the importance of community engagement in stopping problems before they escalate.