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Police Cadet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Cadet

Des Moines, IA

$23.33 - $27.63/hr

Distinguishing Features of the Class The Police Cadet is a non-sworn position that serves as a support role to the basic operations of the police department. The job duties will familiarize the ...

Police Cadet

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$23.33 - $27.63/hr

Distinguishing Features of the Class The Police Cadet is a non-sworn position that serves as a support role to the basic operations of the police department. The job duties will familiarize the ...

The Police Cadet program is designed to provide valuable paraprofessional experience and mentorship in law enforcement. The ideal candidate has an interest in learning about a career in law ...

Police Cadet

Novato, CA · On-site

$19 - $23.10/hr

Continuous Until Filled Police Cadet is a non-sworn, professional staff, part-time position. The basic function of Police Cadet is to relieve the sworn personnel of a variety of tasks which do not ...

Police Cadet

Novato, CA · On-site

$19 - $23.10/hr

Continuous Until Filled Police Cadet is a non-sworn, professional staff, part-time position. The basic function of Police Cadet is to relieve the sworn personnel of a variety of tasks which do not ...

Police Cadet

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$17.08 - $20.77/hr

The Police Cadet position is aimed at individuals considering a career in law enforcement. Participants in the Cadet Program gain exposure to, and an understanding of, police work performed in a ...

Police Cadet

El Segundo, CA

$17.08 - $20.77/hr

The Police Cadet position is aimed at individuals considering a career in law enforcement. Participants in the Cadet Program gain exposure to, and an understanding of, police work performed in a ...

Police Cadet

Glendora, CA · On-site

$16/hr

The Police Cadet program is designed to provide valuable paraprofessional experience and mentorship in law enforcement. The ideal candidate has an interest in learning about a career in law ...

Police Cadet

Washington, DC · On-site

$38K - $50K/yr

The Police Cadet Program is designed to prepare candidates for entrance into the Metropolitan Police Officer Recruit Program and ensures that a steady stream of District of Columbia youth are ...

Police Cadet

Sterling, CO · On-site

$62K/yr

The Sterling Police Department Police Cadet program is designed to help excellent, non-sworn candidates start a career as a Sterling Police Recruit. Cadets are hired as civilian positions and ...

The Sterling Police Department Police Cadet program is designed to help excellent, non-sworn candidates start a career as a Sterling Police Recruit. Cadets are hired as civilian positions and ...

Police Cadet

Richmond, CA · On-site

$20.23 - $24.56/hr

The goals of the Police Cadet program are to expose men and women to the various aspects of police work in order to prepare them for a career in law enforcement. Police Cadets will promote the ...

Police Cadet

Richmond, CA

$20.23 - $24.56/hr

The goals of the Police Cadet program are to expose men and women to the various aspects of police work in order to prepare them for a career in law enforcement. Police Cadets will promote the ...

Police Cadet

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$69K/yr

Our Police Cadet program is designed to educate and train future Police Officers. Police Cadets will attend and successfully complete a program in law enforcement at a department authorized ...

Police Cadet

Ventura, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $19.40/hr

The Police Cadet is responsible for performing a wide variety of routine duties to assist Police Department personnel in accomplishing their activities. The Police Cadet is a training position ...

Police Cadet

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$17.62/hr

Along with a paid (20) hour a week Cadet position at the Police Department, each selected individual will receive a scholarship for tuition and expenses up to $2,500 annually for a period not to ...

Police Cadet (Non-Career) - Southfield Police Department SALARY: $20.00 per hour HOURS: 7am-3pm (40 hours per week) Hands-On Training Sponsorship to the Police Academy Ride-Along Experience All ...

Police Cadet

Ventura, CA

$16.90 - $19.40/hr

The Police Cadet is responsible for performing a wide variety of routine duties to assist Police Department personnel in accomplishing their activities. The Police Cadet is a training position ...

Police Cadet (Non-Career) - Southfield Police Department SALARY: $20.00 per hour HOURS: 7am-3pm (40 hours per week) * Hands-On Training * Sponsorship to the Police Academy * Ride-Along Experience

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Police Cadet information

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How much do police cadet jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for police cadet in the United States is $23.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a cadet officer?

To become a police cadet officer, applicants typically need to meet age and education requirements, pass background checks, and complete a police cadet program or training academy. Gaining relevant skills such as communication, teamwork, and physical fitness can also improve chances of advancement to officer roles.

What is the difference between Police Cadet vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice CadetPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some agencies may require college courseworkHigh school diploma or GED; police academy training required
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often unpaid or low-paid; supervised activitiesActive duty in the field; law enforcement responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies during training or as entry-level roleFull-time law enforcement personnel

Police cadets are typically in training or entry-level positions within law enforcement agencies, focusing on learning and assisting. Police officers are fully sworn personnel responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public safety. The cadet role serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a police officer.

How hard is it to become a police cadet?

Becoming a police cadet typically requires meeting age and educational requirements, passing background checks, and completing physical fitness assessments. Candidates often need to demonstrate good character and may need to complete training or orientation programs; the difficulty varies by department but generally involves a competitive application process.

What does a cadet do in the police?

A police cadet assists law enforcement officers with various tasks such as patrolling, traffic control, and community outreach. They often participate in training programs to learn police procedures and may perform administrative duties under supervision.

Do police cadets make money?

Police cadets typically receive a stipend or hourly pay while undergoing training and gaining experience. Compensation varies by department and location, and cadets often have opportunities to earn additional benefits or stipends during their program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Cadet, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Cadet, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of law enforcement principles, and physical fitness. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and first aid certification is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, discipline, and the ability to handle stressful situations help cadets excel. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety, effective teamwork, and preparedness for a future career as a sworn officer.

What Is a Police Cadet?

A police cadet performs a variety of support duties for police officers, such as helping with traffic control, criminal investigations, and administrative tasks. These law enforcement professionals train in a police academy to learn industry fundamentals. Police cadet training usually involves a mix of classroom instruction in a variety of subjects, such as investigations, crime scene forensics, and criminology. You also learn the legal responsibilities and duties of being a police cadet, as well as practical field skills, such as firearms training, riding along with patrol officers, and physical fitness.

What kinds of training and mentorship can a new Police Cadet expect during their first year?

New Police Cadets typically undergo a structured training program that combines classroom instruction with practical field exercises. During the first year, cadets receive mentorship from experienced officers, participate in ride-alongs, and learn essential skills like report writing, communication, and community engagement. The environment is supportive but challenging, as cadets are encouraged to ask questions, learn from feedback, and gradually take on more responsibilities. This foundation helps prepare cadets for successful advancement within the department and future roles as sworn officers.

What are Police Cadets?

Police Cadets are individuals, often young adults or students, who participate in a training program designed to introduce them to careers in law enforcement. These programs provide cadets with education in police procedures, community service, and physical training under the supervision of experienced officers. Police Cadets may assist with administrative tasks, traffic control, and community outreach, but they do not have full police powers. The goal is to prepare cadets for potential future roles as police officers while giving them practical experience and mentorship.
What cities are hiring for Police Cadet jobs? Cities with the most Police Cadet job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Cadet jobs? The most popular types of Police Cadet jobs are:
What states have the most Police Cadet jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Cadet jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Police Cadet jobs? For Police Cadet jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Police Cadet

$23.33 - $27.63/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


City Of Des Moines (Iowa) rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Distinguishing Features of the Class The Police Cadet is a non-sworn position that serves as a support role to the basic operations of the police department. The job duties will familiarize the Police Cadet with the general field of law enforcement and may include directing traffic, parking enforcement, report writing and administrative duties, as well as support for the department's community policing efforts. Under immediate supervision, assist with a variety of line and staff functions in a para-professional capacity while in an on-the-job training situation.

Police Cadet is intended to be a career development opportunity for qualified applicants seeking a law enforcement career. You must be selected as a Des Moines Police Officer in one of the first two recruitments following your eligibility to apply for Police Officer after your appointment to Police Cadet. If you fail any phase of the second recruitment which includes not being hired as a Police Officer, you will be terminated from the position of Police Cadet no later than two weeks following disqualification from the process.

SPECIAL NOTE: This recruitment requires the review and completion of the 2026 Police Cadet Recruitment Packet. YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY 4:00 PM (CST), MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026. ALL ITEMS LISTED BELOW MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION OR SUBMITTED SEPARATELY TO AND RECEIVED BY HUMAN RESOURCES NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026, AT 4:00 PM (CST).

1. Photocopy of driver's license 2. High school diploma (or other proof of high school graduation) or G.E.D

3. Authority for Release of Information (Must be notarized) 4. College transcripts, if any 5.

DD214 Form for military service, if applicable ** All of the above documents must be legible. ** REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE HAND DELIVERED, MAILED, EMAILED, OR FAXED TO HUMAN RESOURCES. City of Des Moines Attn: Human Resources Dept.

1200 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309 EMAIL TO: humanresources@dmgov.org FAX TO: (515) 237-1680 Acceptable Experience and Training Graduation from high school or GED. Required Special Qualifications Age 18 by the application deadline

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa or another state with the ability to obtain an Iowa operator's license. Police Cadet is intended to be a career development opportunity for qualified applicants seeking a law enforcement career. You must be selected as a Des Moines Police Officer in one of the first two recruitments following your eligibility to apply for Police Officer after your appointment to Police Cadet.

If you fail any phase of the second recruitment which includes not being hired as a Police Officer, you will be terminated from the position of Police Cadet no later than two weeks following disqualification from the process. Police Cadets are required to take and pass the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) as part of the application process. The POST exam is scheduled for August 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

Invitations will be emailed to eligible candidates which will include the testing location at a later date. APPLICANT TESTING RESOURCE FOR POST WRITTEN EXAM: POST Study Guide (written exam) Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only) Assists in office functions such as typing and maintaining files. Assists in receiving, storing and cataloging lost and stolen property.

Takes police reports from the public both by telephone and in person in accordance with departmental policies. Provides relief in the communication center by answering the telephones and taking complaints from the public. Performs duties related to the promotion of the department's community relations, conducting station tours, representing the department at meetings, and speaking to organizations on the subject of community relations.

Assists in the field with traffic control and answering calls for service which do not require the presence of a sworn police officer. Does related work as required.


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