In an effort to increase the pool of qualified police officers of color, Winston-Salem State University and the City of Winston-Salem Police Department have partnered to provide scholarships for eligible students interested in working in law enforcement.
The Bonner-Redd-Surratt-Davis Scholarship, established in 2007, is awarded to juniors and seniors who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and are enrolled in any baccalaureate program offered at the university. The scholarship covers the reimbursement of in-state tuition, books and fees. Any student who leaves the program or has their scholarship revoked, must return all scholarship funds to the Police Department.
Recipients of the Bonner-Redd-Surratt-Davis scholarship must apply for employment with the Winston-Salem Police Department at least 60 days before graduation and complete the 28 week Police Basic Law Enforcement Training. Upon completion of the training program, they will assume responsibility for protective services work as well as the prevention, detection, and investigation of crimes. A minimum three-year employment commitment is required. The Winston-Salem Police Department currently employs 465 sworn officers and 156 civilians.
The scholarship is named for Officer(s) Lilian Bonner, George Redd, Sr., former Chief Thomas Surratt and former Chief Linda Davis all of whom served at least 30 years with the police department.
For more information about the scholarship program, contact Sergeant Tony Perkins, Winston-Salem Police Department Recruiting Unit, at (336) 773-7707 or email tperkins@wspd.org.
