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Police Officer Cadet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Borough of Kane, PA is currently looking for qualified candidates to be accepted into a Police Officer Cadet Sponsorship Program This program is designed to assist accepted candidates financially ...

Selection as a Police Cadet does not guarantee appointment as a Police Officer. *Applicants MUST upload a copy of their Police Academy Acceptance Letter with their application. Applications submitted ...

Police Cadet

Hanford, CA · On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

Selection as a Police Cadet does not guarantee appointment as a Police Officer. *Applicants MUST upload a copy of their Police Academy Acceptance Letter with their application. Applications submitted ...

Police Officer - Cadet

Eloy, AZ · On-site

$53K - $75K/yr

Successfully completes police academy classes toward attaining Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification. Essential Job Functions The following duties ARE NOT intended to ...

Police Cadet

Louisville, CO · On-site

$74K - $78K/yr

By doing so, our officers gain experience and professional growth seldom found in law enforcement today. The Police Cadet is a great opportunity for someone wanting to pursue a career in law ...

Police Cadet

Louisville, CO · On-site

$74K - $78K/yr

By doing so, our officers gain experience and professional growth seldom found in law enforcement today. The Police Cadet is a great opportunity for someone wanting to pursue a career in law ...

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Showing results 1-20

Police Officer Cadet information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police officer cadet jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer cadet in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges police officer cadets face during their training period?

Police Officer Cadets often encounter challenges such as adapting to the physical and mental demands of the academy, mastering complex legal concepts, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. Cadets must quickly learn to work as part of a close-knit team while also demonstrating individual accountability. Balancing classroom learning with practical, scenario-based training can be intense, but support from instructors and fellow cadets helps build resilience and confidence.

What is the difference between Police Officer Cadet vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Officer CadetPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some regions may require college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; police academy training required
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often in police academies or stationsActive duty in the field, patrolling, responding to incidents
Employer & Industry UsageUsed during training period within police departmentsFull-time law enforcement officer performing policing duties

The main difference is that a Police Officer Cadet is in training and not yet fully sworn, while a Police Officer has completed training and is actively performing law enforcement duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer cadet, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer Cadet, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic knowledge of laws, and successful completion of entrance exams or academies. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and basic first aid certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help cadets excel in challenging situations. These skills ensure cadets can effectively serve the community, uphold the law, and respond appropriately in high-stress environments.

What is a police officer cadet?

Police Officer Cadets are individuals enrolled in a training program designed to prepare them for a career as a police officer. Cadets learn the fundamental skills of law enforcement, including criminal law, emergency response, and community policing, under the supervision of experienced officers. The cadet program typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on training and is often the first step toward becoming a full-fledged police officer. Successful completion of the cadet program is usually required before being sworn in as a police officer.
More about Police Officer Cadet jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Officer Cadet jobs? Cities with the most Police Officer Cadet job openings:
What states have the most Police Officer Cadet jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Officer Cadet jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Officer Cadet jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Officer Cadet jobs are:
Infographic showing various Police Officer Cadet job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer or Police Officer Cadet

California State University

Chico, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Police Officer or Police Officer Cadet

Apply now Job no: 558065
Work type: Staff
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 8 - SUPA - State University Police Association, Probationary, Full Time, Safety
Position Description

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

POLICE CADET: 

The Cadet is a non-sworn officer in a trainee capacity. Incumbents attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy to develop the minimum qualifications necessary to assume a position as a sworn Police Officer. Upon successful completion of the required P.O.S.T., training within the required time frame and the discretion of management, the Police Officer Cadet may be appointed to the classification of Police Officer on a probationary basis.

The primary responsibility of the Cadet is to attend the prescribed training sessions to learn the principles, practices, and theory of criminal and civil law enforcement and codified and case law. The Cadet also receives training in report writing, physical fitness techniques, firearms use and maintenance, and arrest and control techniques. This position will communicate and interact effectively with students, staff, faculty and community members with varied backgrounds and lived experiences, and also, create and maintain trust, legitimacy, credibility and collaboration with the campus community.

Appointments to this classification are temporary and typically do not exceed seven (7) months.

POLICE OFFICER:

Under general supervision, Police Officers will look out for the welfare of the entire University, working closely with all University departments, utilizing a strong understanding of all laws including search and seizure, and probable cause; will patrol, respond to and handle incidents involving violations of law or campus regulations; will conduct thorough criminal investigations; testify in court; provide general information and assistance to the public; and apply progressive police principles and best practices. This position will communicate and interact effectively with students, staff, faculty and community members with varied backgrounds and lived experiences. And also, create and maintain trust, legitimacy, credibility and collaboration with the campus community.

Required Education and Experience:

POLICE CADET:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Eligibility to attend a certified P.O.S.T. basic training Academy

MINIMUM STANDARDS for POLICE OFFICER CADET CANDIDATES (California Government Code Section 1031):

  • Must have no felony convictions.
  • Must have no misdemeanor convictions containing elements of domestic violence.
  • Must successfully complete fingerprint and records check including local, state and federal criminal records.
  • Must satisfy citizenship requirements detailed in Government code 1031 (a) & 1031 .5. Be a U. S. citizen, or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship and obtains citizenship within three years of application date.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment.
  • Must have good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation which will be conducted as prescribed in the P.O,S,T, Administrative Manual, and must be completed prior to appointment date.
  • Must be free from any physical, emotional, and mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of powers of a police officer cadet.

*A valid California driver's license is required.

POLICE OFFICER:

Current enrollment in, or successful completion of, a California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Police Academy is required at the time of application. Possession of a valid Certificate of Completion of the Basic Academy is required at time of appointment.

Must be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development (GED) Test indicating high school graduation level, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from a college or university.

MINIMUM STANDARDS for POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATES (California Government Code Section 1031):

  • Must have no felony convictions.
  • Must have no misdemeanor convictions containing elements of domestic violence.
  • Must successfully complete fingerprint and records check including local, state and federal criminal records.
  • Must satisfy citizenship requirements detailed in Government code 1031 (a) & 1031.5.  Be a U. S. citizen, or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship and obtains citizenship within three years of application date.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment.
  • Must have good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation which will be conducted as prescribed in the P.O.S.T. Administrative Manual and must be completed prior to appointment date.
  • Must be free from any physical, emotional, and mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of powers of a police officer.
  • Must be able to read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a police officer as determined by the use of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery or other job-related tests of reading and writing ability.

*A valid California driver's license is required by time of appointment.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

POLICE CADET:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Fluent written and verbal multi-lingual/bilingual skills in addition to English.
  • Proficiency with technology and software programs such as database and records management programs (RMS).
  • Experience interacting and dealing with persons of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

POLICE OFFICER:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Full-time equivalent of three or more years of active law enforcement experience.
  • Fluent written and verbal multi-lingual/bilingual skills in addition to English.
  • Proficiency with technology and software programs such as database and records management programs (RMS).
  • Experience interacting and dealing with persons of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule:

POLICE CADET: Tuesday-Saturday 8 hour shifts

POLICE OFFICER: 2 Week Schedule / (3) 12 hr shifts per week & 1 (8) hr shift every other week (0600-1800 or 1800-0600)

CSU Classification Salary Range: 

POLICE CADET:  $47,208 - $77,016 per year. 

POLICE OFFICER: $77,016 (Step 5) - $113,616 (Step 22) per year. 

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).  For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

POLICE CADET & POLICE OFFICER:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive. This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. As a result, current CSU, Chico employees are subject to a thorough background investigation which will be conducted as prescribed in the P.O.S.T. Administrative Manual and must be completed prior to appointment date.

The person holding this position is considered a "General Mandated Reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment,

Throughout employment in this position incumbent must maintain a valid California Driver's License as well as continued completion and compliance of the CSU Defensive Driver's Training course.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Clery Act and is required to comply with the requirements of this designation,

Must maintain current licenses, certificates, permits, or other items required for this position; and immediately report to supervisor the loss or expiration of same.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 05/25/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)

Advertised: May 11, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US