Georgetown Law Launches Police Fellowship Program

GEORGETOWN, DC — The Metropolitan Police Department launched a two-year fellowship program Monday, aimed at identifying and training the next generation of police officers through the Georgetown University Law Center. This program, called Police for Tomorrow Fellowship Program, is believed to be the first program of its kind in the nation.

“The aim of this program is not only to strengthen our officers’ credentials and experience, but also the bond we have with the communities we serve," Chief of Police Peter Newsham said in a statement. "Understanding the context of where we’ve come from as an agency and where we’re going is invaluable to our force’s future.”

The program's inaugural 19 fellows include Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sworn and civilian staff who are just beginning their careers with MPD. Fellows must be on the force for less than one year in order to apply.

Fellows will embark on a two-year program of monthly workshops, community engagement activities and a one-on-one mentoring program with MPD leaders. Fellows are also expected to develop a capstone project in consultation with a local community organization.

Leading experts in policing and related topics will teach the fellows issues crucial to effectively and impartially serving the DC community, such as the District's history and demographics, how to be understand DC's youth, the impact of race on policing and the criminalization of poverty.

Georgetown Law professors Rosa Brooks, Paul Butler and Christy Lopez — who have expertise in police reform, criminal justice and racial justice — have led Georgetown Law's development of the workshop curriculum. All Police for Tomorrow Fellows who complete the program will receive a Certificate from Georgetown University Law Center’s Program on Innovative Policing to formally recognize their achievement.

“We are excited to work with the next generation of police leadership in our city through a groundbreaking program we believe will benefit the entire community," Georgetown Law Dean William M. Treanor said in a statement. "This is a unique opportunity for fellows to build critical connections and thoughtfully explore some of the toughest issues confronting both the police and the community members they serve.”

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