Milwaukie Police Cadet Program

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.

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, domestic violence incidents, assaults, burglaries, and thefts.

Cadets also perform duties such as directing traffic at accident scenes, and assist 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.

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.

Minimum qualifications required to be a Milwaukie Police Cadet are:

  • Applicants must be between 17 and 21 years of age and possess a valid drivers license.
  • Any person attending high school or college must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. (You may not have a failing grade in any class.)
  • Applicants cannot have a criminal history, or a juvenile criminal history. (No convictions, or arrests.)
  • The applicant must have a valid drivers license and a good driving record. The applicant must maintain a good driving record. Any driving crime, or suspension of any kind is automatic disqualification.
  • Any applicant under 18 years of age must have signed consent form a legal guardian allowing the applicant to participate in the program.
  • The applicant must be free of any serious physical or mental defects or impairment that would prevent active participation as a law enforcement Cadet.

Cadets must also follow all General Orders, Protocols and Procedures established by the police department. Any violation of these rules can lead to suspension or termination of the Cadet position.

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 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.

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.

Cadets often procure money for their own program through fundraising, grant opportunities, and donations from the community.

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.

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.

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:

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.)


Last updated: 01/16/2009

| Home | Council | Committees | Community | Departments | Contact Us | Search |

 
Please contact the City's with any questions or comments about the site.
Website Legal Disclaimer Policy.