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Police Cadet Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

DC Government Careers

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 ...

City of Gaithersburg

Police Cadet

Gaithersburg, MD

$18.78/hr

The Police Cadet Program serves to identify and select qualified individuals contemplating a career in the field of law enforcement and provide them with career orientation and first-hand experience ...

City of Gaithersburg, MD

Police Cadet

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$18.78/hr

The Police Cadet Program serves to identify and select qualified individuals contemplating a career in the field of law enforcement and provide them with career orientation and first-hand experience ...

Arlington County, VA

Police Officer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

Police Officers hired through the Cadet Program must obtain a total of sixty credit hours within two years of completing Field Training. The probation period of Police Officers hired through the ...

Fairfax County, VA

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$74K - $132K/yr

Police Opening Date: 01/03/2026 Closing Date: 12/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Pay Grade: O18 Posting ... Cadet programs. Opportunity to transfer VRS (Virginia Retirement System) into Fairfax County ...

Fairfax County

Police Officer

Fairfax, VA

$74K - $132K/yr

... Police Cadet programs Opportunity to transfer VRS (Virginia Retirement System) into Fairfax County Retirement System (FCRS). * This position includes a signing bonus for fully qualified new county ...

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All JobsPolice Cadet JobsPolice Cadet Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Police Cadet information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do police cadet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for police cadet in Silver Spring, MD is $23.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 much do police cadets get paid?

Police cadets typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the department and location. Compensation may include benefits such as training, mentorship, and experience in law enforcement environments.

Do police cadets get paid while in the police academy?

Police cadets typically receive a stipend or salary while attending the police academy, as they are often considered trainees or interns. Compensation varies by department and region, but many programs provide pay to support cadets during their training period. Some departments may also offer benefits such as uniforms and training materials.

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 kinds of training and mentorship can a 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 is a police cadet?

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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For Police Cadet jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Cadet jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Cadet jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Police Cadet jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Police Cadet job openings:

Police Cadet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Cadet job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,513 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Police Cadet

DC Government Careers

Washington, DC • On-site

$38K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

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 actively recruited as future police officers. Cadets are 17-24 year-old uniformed civilian employees, working for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) while attending the University of the District of Columbia. The Department funds up to 60 college credits to enable District residents with a high school degree from a District high school or a GED to meet the college education requirement.
Cadets must earn up to sixty (60) college credits at the University of the District of Columbia Community College to satisfy MPD's police recruit entrance requirement. The program helps cadets develop the leadership and analytical thinking skills required to meet the challenges of their complex roles as problem-solvers, service providers, and professionals in the criminal justice system of the 21st century. Recruits will spend part of their time working specific job assignments to support the day-to-day operations of the MPD, perform rotating assignments among the districts and divisions, and gain familiarization with the daily operations of the Department.
Job Summary
Police Cadet assignments are designed to familiarize you with the Department's organizational structure and the mission and functions of its components.
You will learn about the laws and policies of the department and be given increasingly more difficult assignments to prepare you for the police officer role. Cadets observe and study community policing principles, techniques and methods, the merit of higher education for effective policing, and the value of community policing for an effective police department.
You will learn how to provide assistance to facilitate Patrol Service Area calls for service, how to assist crime analysts and customers in the Station, administrative filings, process city service requests, observe police activities, and interface with citizens and visitors of the District of Columbia.
Benefits
  • Starting salary of $38,756 with eligible annual pay increase
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Uniforms and Equipment (except belt & shoes)
  • Health Insurance (Full-Time Cadet)
  • College Tuition*
  • Conversion to Career Police status**
*Cadets must be full-time students at UDC and full-time civilian employees with MPD
**Cadets are eligible to convert to career police status upon completion of sixty (60) college credits and acceptance into the Recruit Officer Training Program phase.
***Cadets are eligible for a $5,000 conversion bonus when they become a Recruit Officers and $5,000 graduation bonus.
Visit the Benefits page to learn more.
Qualifications
  • Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization, OR a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of application.
  • Reside in the District of Columbia and agree to remain a resident until completion of the program
  • Be between 17 and 24 years of age
  • Have one of the following:
L icensures, Certifications and other requirements
N/A
Education
Graduated from a District of Columbia High School
Work Experience
N/A
Work Environment
Work i s generally carried out in a classroom/office setting and subject to you traveling throughout the District of Columbia using personal or public transportation. You are subject to ride in police vehicles.
Other Significant Factors
This position is part of a 24/7 operation and is subject to non-traditional work hours including rotating shifts, shift works, and working weekends and holidays.
Applicants must complete the following:
  • Mandatory orientation
  • Undergo a panel interview
  • If under the age of 18, receive permission from parents or guardian
  • Undergo a background investigation (criminal checks, references, employment, social media, traffic, credit check, etc.)
  • Take a polygraph examination
  • Pass a medical examination (drug screening, at least 20/100 vision or correctable 20/30 in both eyes, proportionate height and weight as measured by percentage of body fat)
Police Cadet applications are accepted directly through http://joinmpd.dc.gov .
Submitting an application on this site is NOT required; however, if you do, your name will be forwarded to Recruiting for consideration.
The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.

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