St. Paul recruitment program aims to diversify police ranks Law Enforcement Career Path Academy is designed to remove financial and educational barriers to college and a law enforcement career for low-income young people. July 6, 2021 — 8:48pm Text size Copy shortlink: But become a cop? "I would have told you you're lying. You're full of it," he said. Meet officer Rodriguez, approaching his second year wearing a badge on the same streets where he used to run around. He's there thanks to the Law Enforcement Career Path Academy, a program designed to supercharge diversity at the St. Paul Police Department by removing financial and educational barriers to college and a law enforcement career for low-income young people. Rodriguez is one of eight Career Path Academy students who are now officers. Two dozen recent grads — almost all people of color — have indicated that they plan to enter the next St. Paul Police Academy class of 50 to 70 future officers.