Teens get law enforcement exposure with Phoenix Police cadet program

PHOENIX — Teens and young adults are getting a glimpse of what a career in law enforcement is like thanks to Phoenix Police Department’s Cadet Program.

The program, aimed at those 14 and older who are career-oriented, is designed to educate young men and women in police operations and to interest them in law enforcement functions, regardless of whether they enter the law enforcement field or not.

Alongside learning about police work, the cadets have the opportunity to give back to their community by serving as volunteers.

“We try to condense it into two weeks so we get them the major subjects like; fire arm training, traffic stop safety, defensive tactics training to protect themselves, and criminal law training.” Cadet Advisor David Barrios told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

Cadets are sponsored by the Phoenix Police Department as part of a community-based policing program.

In addition to their normal cadet classes and duties, they also get to participate in the Phoenix Police Department Cadet Academy.

Twenty-five recruit cadets are participating in the two-week, 80-hour-long cadet academy.

.@phoenixpolice preparing for law enforcement’s future with their cadet program. In 2018, the cadets provided 5,218 service hours (133 events) with 2,313 hours of police related trainings. Plus, six cadets became employees with the Phoenix Police Department. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/F618m4Otji

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) June 11, 2019

This year’s academy class started on June 3 and ends on June 14.

The Phoenix Police Department will host a cadet orientation on June 17 at 5:30pm at Phoenix Police Headquarters.

There, the cadets will present to parents and students what the program is all about.

“If someone is interested, they will be invited back the following week for a testing process,” Barrios said. “They have to fill out an application packet, complete a background check, do an interview, and take a written test.”

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