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Police Cadet Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Police Cadet information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$21

$34

How much do police cadet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for police cadet in Indiana is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $27.45 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.
More about Police Cadet jobs
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What job categories do people searching Police Cadet jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Police Cadet jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Police Cadet jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Police Cadet job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Police Cadet jobs in IN? For Police Cadet jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Police Cadet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Cadet job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,576 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

IMPD Cadet Program

City of Indianapolis and Marion County, IN

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$17.19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary: $17.19 Hourly
Location : Various IMPD Locations, IN
Job Type: Part-time/Seasonal/Temp
Job Number: 09906
Department: IMPD-Admin
Opening Date: 06/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Overview
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Cadet program is a partnership with the Indy Public Safety Foundation and the Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF Affiliate. The IMPD Cadet program is designed to provide a service for the City of Indianapolis, the police department and the community it serves.
An IMPD Cadet is considered a future leader in the community. The goals of the IMPD Cadet program are to expose young men and women to the various aspects of police work in order to prepare them for a career in law enforcement. The IMPD Cadet program helps to provide quality candidates for all law enforcement related positions. A structured program has been established to teach and promote the duties and responsibilities entrusted to an IMPD Cadet. Additionally, the expectations of an IMPD Cadet are high morals, academic excellence, sound judgment, and an active contribution to his or her community.
These positions are excluded by the City Charter Section 10.104.18 from the competitive civil service examination process. Exempt employees are considered "at-will" and serve at the discretion of the appointing officer.
Agency Summary
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is committed to excellence in law enforcement and is dedicated to the people, traditions and diversity of our City. In order to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and enhance quality of life, the department is committed to providing professional service with integrity and a focus on community policing. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department operates six service districts under the Patrol Division, an Investigations Division, an Administration Division and the Training Academy.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.
Position Responsibilities
General Position Description:
IMPD Cadets hired by the City of Indianapolis are part-time employees and directly supervised by an IMPD sworn member or civilian in one of the following areas:
• Public Safety Officer (PSO)
• Public Assistance Officer (PAO)
• Rotations throughout the IMPD to include; Administration, Investigations, Homeland Security, Media Relations, etc.
Work Hours and Compensation:
• IMPD Cadets will work 20 hours per week with some flexibility in work schedule and location
• Cadets are considered part-time employees for the City of Indianapolis and are not entitled to benefits
• IMPD Cadets will be compensated at an hourly rate of $17.19 per hour
Cadet Classes and Training (including but not limited to):
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training
• Evidence Collection
• Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) Training
• Defensive Tactics
• Physical Exercise and Physical Fitness evaluations
• Leadership
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Skills and Abilities :
• Communicate orally with people of diverse education, social and ethnic backgrounds
• Work courteously with the general public on the telephone and in person
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Walk and/or stand for long periods of time
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate and address problems
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
1. Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency
2. Currently enrolled, accepted or willing to pursue acceptance to a 4-year accredited college or university, a 2-year accredited college or a vocational/apprenticeship training program
3. Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
License or Certificate:
Possess a valid driver's license
Age:
Candidates may apply at 17 years of age (and up to 21) but will not be hired until 18 years of age
Citizenship:
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency at the time of hire
Criminal History:
No felony convictions
No conviction of offenses involving domestic violence
No conviction of any misdemeanors that carries a penalty of prohibiting ownership, possession or
control of a firearm
No restriction from employment with the City and County of Indianapolis/Marion County
Applications for City of Indianapolis jobs are only accepted through an online process.
Visit www.indy.gov/jobs to register and begin the application process.
• Select "IMPD Cadet Program" under Job Opportunities then read and acknowledge the information
• Click "Apply" at the bottom of the screen
• Follow instructions on the application
Applicants MUST:
1. Attach a PDF copy of your most recent report card or college transcript (GPA)
2. Attach PDF copies of two (2) Letters of Recommendation
Note:
Your reference letters must come from either someone senior to you such as a teacher or a direct supervisor from a summer, part-time, or internship position. Alternately, you may ask someone who managed you in an extracurricular, research, volunteer, or community activity (i.e., someone who has evaluated or supervised your work). These references should include your professional, community, or extracurricular experiences and represent your potential impact and involvement with the IMPD Cadet program.
All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline.
Computers are available for the public to file online applications in the Human Resources Office located in the City/County Building. The address is Suite 1541, 200 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204.
The available hours of the public computer lab are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Applicants may be contacted by email about this announcement and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure their registered email address is accurate and up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure any emails sent from Indy.gov are not blocked by a spam filter on their computer or email account.
Applicants will receive an email confirming their online application was received. A confirmation email will be sent in response to every application submitted. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive a confirmation email means the online application was not properly submitted and/or received by Human Resources.
Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact Sargent Randy Diaz at either 317-327-2977 or randy.diaz@indy.gov.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Applications will be reviewed and additional screening mechanisms may be implemented in order to determine a candidate's qualifications. Only those most qualified will be invited to interview for a position.
Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process. Applicants will undergo a comprehensive selection process and top ranking candidates will be referred to the Chief of Police for his or her final selections.
Background Investigation:
Prior to employment with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, a thorough background investigation will be conducted to determine the candidate's suitability for employment.
The investigation may include, but not be limited to: criminal history records, driving records, drug/alcohol screening, and other related employment and personal history records. Reasons for rejection may include use of controlled substances and alcohol, felony conviction, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to work with co-workers, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations or other relevant factors.
Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening, and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. Criminal records will be carefully reviewed and candidates who do not report their complete criminal records on their applications will be disqualified.
All applicants will be fingerprinted.
Selected Cadets:
Applicants who are selected will work as part-time employees for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and are considered Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Cadets. Cadets will be required to adhere to certain educational requirements and participate in all Cadet classes and training.
Participation for subsequent school years is automatic unless the IMPD Cadet fails to meet the minimum requirements, withdrawals from the program or reaches the age of 24.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Are you currently 18 years old?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you currently have one the following degrees or are planning to enroll one of these higher education programs? (Check all that apply)
  • Currently enrolled or have a high school diploma/GED
  • Currently enrolled or have an associates degree
  • Currently enrolled or have a bachelor's degree
  • Planning to enroll in an associate's degree program
  • Planning to enroll in a bachelor's degree program
  • No plans to enroll in higher education

03
Did you attach your must recent transcripts?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Did you attach at least 2 letters of recommendation?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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