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Jul-20-2008 |
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What exactly is a Police Cadet?
A Police Cadet is a non-paid, volunteer position available to qualified persons ages 17 through 21 years. Much like an apprentice, Cadets learn about law enforcement by observing police procedures. Sponsored by the Milwaukie Police Department, cadets participate in police training and ride with the sworn police officers.
Cadets attend monthly meetings and training sessions teaching high school age students and young adults about functions performed by law enforcement officers. Cadets wear a uniform when performing police related functions. Their duties include assisting the Milwaukie Police Department in a number of public relations areas.
What does a Police Cadet do?
Cadets ride on patrol with police officers, mainly as observers. Cadets observe police officers performing their duties. They see how police officers deal with a variety of situations, such as traffic accidents, drunken drivers, investigation of domestic violence, assaults, burglaries, and thefts.
Cadets also perform duties such as directing traffic at accident scenes, and assisting with security details at City functions, i.e. parades and sports activities. They also deliver documents to City officials, and remove graffiti from public places.
Cadets may also be asked to assist with security at crime scenes, and transport needed equipment.
What are the minimum qualifications required to be a Milwaukie Police Cadet?
Are there further rules and requirements once an applicant has been accepted as a Milwaukie Police Cadet?
Yes, there is a list of General Orders, Protocols and Procedures that must be followed. Any violation of these rules can lead to suspension or termination of the Cadet position. In addition to the Cadet Post rules, each Cadet must obey all General Orders and Procedures required of the Milwaukie Police Officers. (Those that are applicable.)
Attendance is also monitored. Cadets are expected to attend all required meetings and training sessions. A minimum of 16 hours a month is required. (Cadets who have work related or school related commitments are excused from this requirement - a written letter of explanation will be necessary to be excused.)
Members of the Milwaukie Cadet Post will obey all applicable laws, statues, and ordinances.
Members will not drink, take or be in possession of intoxicating liquor or narcotics except as authorized by law. Violations of this rule are subject to termination and/or criminal prosecution.
A Milwaukie Police Cadet's behavior is monitored by advisors during training sessions, special details, as well as when "off duty".
We expect Milwaukie Police Cadets to behave at all times in a manner that reflects positively on the Milwaukie Police Department. For this reason, Cadets must be capable of consistent, reliable, and professional behavior. Milwaukie Cadets are held to a higher standard than ordinary young adults due to the nature of the position.
A thorough background is performed on each Cadet candidate prior to acceptance into the Milwaukie Police Cadet program. Checks on school performance continue as long as the person is in the Cadet program to ensure minimum grade point average requirements are met. Driving records are also checked periodically.
What if a parent has questions about the safety of the program?
On occasion a parent has been hesitant to allow his or her teenager to become a Cadet fearing it might place the teen in a dangerous situation.
When a Cadet rides with police officers on patrol, he or she is limited to observing potentially high risk incidents from a safe distance. A Cadet's experience is much like that of a "Citizen Rider." (Many citizens come out on "ride-alongs" with the police department.)
A Cadet would not be allowed in situations that may place them at an unreasonable risk of injury, such as burglaries in progress, fights, or robberies.
However, parents should be aware there are never absolutes in life. No one can guarantee an accident could not occur. Cadets are passengers in automobiles. Cadets assist at auto accident scenes by directing traffic. Milwaukie Cadets are trained to recognize and avoid situations that may place them in danger.
We encourage parents to attend meetings and training sessions to observe what kind of education and experience Cadets are offered.
What costs are involved in becoming a Milwaukie Police Cadet?
Milwaukie Police Cadets must purchase a portion of their own uniforms. Some equipment is provided to Cadets, but is entirely dependent on availability. The Cadet will be responsible for supplying any items not already provided. Costs may range between $50 and $200. Cadets often procure money for their own program through fundraisers, grant opportunities, and donations from the community.
Is a Cadet an acting police officer?
Under no circumstances is a Milwaukie Cadet allowed to perform the duties of a certified police officer. Cadets have no authority or police powers - they are to be considered guests of the police department. At no time are Cadets allowed to make arrests, issue citations, or confront persons suspected of criminal behavior.
Cadets are public relations representatives for the City of Milwaukie. They are expected to "set a good example' for other students and young adults, while learning more about their community.
What kind of training do Cadets receive?
Police Cadets must attend monthly meetings (usually one or two evening meetings each month) in addition to occasional weekend training seminars.
Examples of training include an overview of the judicial system, crime definitions, police patrol tactics, interview techniques, public relations, self defense, firearms proficiency, basic first aid and CPR, hazardous materials, emergency vehicle operations, and crime scene analysis, among other topics of study.
For what purpose do Cadets use this training?
Cadets are invited each year to compete against other Cadet and Explorer Posts for trophies and other awards at local, state, regional, and national competitions.
Many persons involved in the Milwaukie Cadet Post say the training they have received helped bolster their confidence, helped them become more goal oriented, and showed them how to work closely with others, promoting personal growth as well as learning leadership skills.
Are you interested in learning more about the Milwaukie Police Cadets?
Anyone interested in this program can attend an upcoming Cadet meeting, training session.
Cadet Position application materials can be made available following a training session or can be downloaded from here:
Cadet Application Form (in Microsoft Word
or Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Cadet Authorization Release Form
Parental Consent Release Form
Emergency Contact Form
Cadet Fundraiser / Graveyard Gourmet Cookbook
To find out more information, and to reserve a guest spot at the next available Cadet meeting, please contact a Cadet Advisor with the Milwaukie Police Department.
Business phone number: 786-7400 (Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Milwaukie Police Department Police Cadet Advisors:
Officer Tom Garrett: 503-786-7446 – garrettt@ci.milwaukie.or.us
Officer Mike Danovich: 503-786-7418 – danovichm@ci.milwaukie.or.us
Sgt. Scott Guy: 503-786-7420 – guys@ci.milwaukie.or.us
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