Cadets
The Cadet Program is a voluntary, non enforcement entry level position with the San Diego Police Department for people ages 16-21. After a six-session academy, Cadets may choose to go on ride-alongs, assist with security and traffic control, work undercover and much more. The Cadet Program provides great law enforcement experience, and therefore is very beneficial to those interested in a career in law enforcement. Cadets receive continuous law enforcement training, develop individual potential, and meet others their age with similar interests. The Cadet Program is always interested in responsible, honest, and hard working youths. To contact program personnel, please call (619) 531-2934 and leave a message.
You must:
- Be 16-20 years old;
- Have graduated High School or have a minimum 2.0 GPA if still
enrolled in school;
- Have height and weight in reasonable proportion;
- Successfully complete a written exam, character interview and
background check.
After completion of the academy, Cadets are required to attend two meetings a month. They are on the first and third Monday of every month from 7pm - 9pm at the San Diego Police Department Headquarters building: 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. It is highly recommended that Cadets also participate in other activities, but it is not mandatory. Therefore, time commitment with the Cadet program can range from the minimum of four hours a month to over 40.
- Ride-Alongs- Cadets ride along with police officers for an entire shift, participating in radio communications, field interviews, ticket writing, map book reading, and much more.
Traffic Control- Cadets are often in charge of controlling intersections during parades, fairs, and other special events.
- Vice- Cadets, being underage, assist detectives in the vice unit in controlling the illegal sales of alcohol in two major ways.
1. Shoulder Tap Operations- Cadets request another person to buy them alcohol after informing him/her that they are under 21.
2. Minor Decoy Operations- Cadets walk into an alcohol-selling store under the supervision of detectives and try to buy alcohol for themselves.
- Security- To work security, Cadets become the eyes and ears of the police officers. Since officers cannot be everywhere at once, Cadets fill in by looking for any suspicious or illegal activity, and then immediately report it on the radio. Some security events the Cadets have been invited to work include the La Jolla Festival of the Arts, the Rock and Roll Marathon, Mardi Gras, Street Scene, and the Pacific Beach Block Party.
- Community Events- Cadets are often requested for parades, festivals, and fairs to show their support of law enforcement.
The first Monday of every month is a general meeting in which Cadets are encouraged to sign up for ride-alongs and other activities. The second meeting, which takes place on the third Monday of every month, is the training meeting. Every training meeting, Cadets participate in a different class focusing on the skills needed as a Cadet and/or future officer. Such classes include, but are not limited to: pedestrian and vehicle hot stops, vehicle pursuits, gang profiling, equal opportunity employment, officer survival, traffic stops, citations, fire/paramedic relations, radio procedures, K-9 and interview techniques.
The Cadet academy must be completed before becoming a Cadet. Academies are held twice a year. Each academy will start with a mandatory orientation meeting where more definite information will be given. For the next six sessions, class is held every Monday night from 5pm - 9pm, and every Saturday from 8am - 4pm. The training academy includes courses on: CPR, Criminal Law, Arrest Procedures, Search and Seizures, Ethics, Law and Arrest, Map Book Reading, Narcotics, Report Writing, Policy and Procedures, Field Training, Defensive Tactics and Patrol Procedures. Approximately one week after completion of academy classes, a graduation is held to honor those who have passed.
While teamwork is emphasized throughout the academy, individual achievement is recognized as well. Five awards are presented upon graduation. The first is the Academic Achievement Award given to the Cadet with the best test scores. Next is the Top Cadet Award given to the Cadet chosen by his/her fellow Cadets based on motivation and team effort. Third is the Most Improved Award given to the Cadet the officers feel has come the farthest in terms of attitude and achievement. Last are the two Physical Fitness Awards for the top male and female Cadets based on push-ups, sit-ups and run times.
- Come to Police Headquarters (1401 Broadway) on the second Monday of the month at 6pm. A Cadet recruiter will meet you at the flagpole in front of the main entrance. At this meeting you will receive more information about the Cadet Program and have the chance to talk to Cadets or a Cadet Advisor in person.
- You will be given a basic 20 question multiple choice test on reading comprehension, spelling and direction.
- Once you pass the test, you will provide information about your background that will be collected upon completion.
- A background package will be sent with you prior to the end of the meeting.
- When finished with your background package, contact and meet with your Backgrounds Investigator. (The name and all contact information will be given and explained to you)
- If you pass your background investigation, you will be scheduled for an interview conducted by a Police Sergeant, and two Cadets that will be similar to a job interview.
- Upon completion of an acceptable interview, you will be enrolled in the Cadet academy.
The Advance Cadet Training Academy is a great privilege and learning experience for the Cadets. It is NOT MANDATORY, but it is so much fun that most Cadets choose to spend five hours a day for four days, and all day the following Saturday participating in it. A few of the highlights include an introduction to S.W.A.T., a demonstration from the fire department, learning Patrol Procedures, Advance Radio Procedures, Street Weapons, Officer Survival, Defense Tactics, and Arrest and Control.
A trip is also taken to the S.W.A.T. obstacle course for Cadets to test their physical abilities. Cadets are timed in completing challenging tasks such as carrying a 180 pound dummy, jumping over four, six, and eight foot fences, crawling through dog houses, jumping through windows and much more.
On Saturday, the last day of the A.C.T. Academy, Cadets participate in "Duffy Town," a simulated town complete with houses, a bank, a store, live victims, gang members, thieves and innocent bystanders played by police officers. This is a chance for Cadets to utilize the skills they have learned in a controlled environment.
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