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Police Officer Cadet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Cadet

Sanford, FL ยท On-site

$20/hr

As a Police Officer Cadet in the Florida Law Enforcement Academy, the employee is required to successfully complete the academy curriculum and obtain the State of Florida Law Enforcement ...

Police Officer Cadet

Sanford, FL ยท On-site

$20/hr

As a Police Officer Cadet in the Florida Law Enforcement Academy, the employee is required to successfully complete the academy curriculum and obtain the State of Florida Law Enforcement ...

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 ...

Police Cadet

Hanford, CA ยท 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 Cadet

Hanford, CA ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

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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 28, 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 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.

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 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 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.

Do police officer cadets get paid?

Police officer cadets typically receive a salary or stipend during their training period, which can vary depending on the department and location. This pay often supports their participation in academy classes and field training, and some departments also provide benefits such as health insurance. Cadets are usually considered employees and are expected to meet specific training and performance standards.
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:

Infographic showing various Police Officer Cadet job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Police Officer Cadet

Sanford, FL โ€ข On-site

City of Sanford
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description Under the City of Sanford Police Sponsorship Program, the purpose of this position is to prepare the Police Officer Cadet in Police work with the City of Sanford involving crime detection, prevention and investigation. As a Police Officer Cadet in the Florida Law Enforcement Academy, the employee is required to successfully complete the academy curriculum and obtain the State of Florida Law Enforcement Certification by passing the required State Officer Exam. Examples of Duties Must successfully complete the academy curriculum and obtain the State of Florida Law Enforcement Certification by passing the required State Officer Exam no later than (60) days after graduation from the Florida Law Enforcement Academy.

Must abide by and comply with the Laws of the State of Florida; City ordinances, department directives of the Sanford Police Department and the City of Sanford; and all rules and regulations applicable to members of the Sanford Police Department. Must follow all policy and procedures set forth by the attending educational institution hosting the Florida Law Enforcement Academy. Must work 40 hours per week and keep the Sanford Police Department Training Coordinator informed of their schedule.

During times that the Cadets schedule is reduced to less than 40 hours per week by the educational institution, report to the Sanford Police Department's Training Coordinator for assignment. Minimum Qualifications Testing for the position of POLICE OFFICER CADET will occur on TBD. The time and location will be sent via email to the qualified applicants once approved applicants have been referred by the Human Resources/Risk Management Department.

High School Diploma or GED. Current and valid Florida Driver's License. No convictions of any felony; or of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, domestic violence, or have plead guilty to or nolo contendre to any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, not withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.

Must have been free of tobacco products for at least one (1) year immediately preceding your application for employment with the City of Sanford. Must be at least 20 years of age to enter employment with the City of Sanford as a Police Officer Cadet; 21 years of age at the time of appointment to Police Officer. Must be a US Citizen.

Must not have been Dishonorably Discharged from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Required vision of 20/20 or corrected vision to 20/40. Requires candidate to sign the City of Sanford Police Officer Cadet Agreement.

Must successfully complete the Criminal Justice Basic Ability Test (CJBAT) prior to beginning the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Must successfully complete the City of Sanford due diligence process to include satisfactory information found in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check including FBI background review, driving record, pre-employment physical, stress test/x-ray, drug screen, and behavioral screening. Cadets that do not successfully complete the Law Enforcement Academy and pass the State Officer Exam are required to reimburse the City for any and all costs incurred by the City of Sanford per the Police Office Cadet Agreement.

IMPORTANT: On your application you must account for all periods of time for at least the last ten (10) years of employment history. Employee shall obtain the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment. The following courses are designed to provide a baseline, as they introduce basic NIMS and ICS concepts and provide the foundation for higher-level Emergency Operations Center (EOC), MACS, and ICS related training.

Supplemental Information Knowledge of First Aid procedures and equipment. Knowledge of business English, e.g., spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. Skill in both written and oral communications

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy. Skill in the inspection, inventory, and operational testing of all equipment, firearms, apparatus, tools, appliance, and supplies/materials of the assigned squad. Ability to foster a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships and providing effective conflict resolution.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing duties of a Police Officer Cadet, tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of extremely heavy objects (200+ pounds), such as in the academy exercise of chasing and subduing a suspect resisting arrest. Some tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements including, but not limited to, heat, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, violent behavior, weapons, explosives, traffic and animals. Tasks include exposure to and around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is required.

THE CITY OF SANFORD IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE