Want to be a cop someday? Joining a police cadet or police explorer program is one of the best ways to get started early. These programs let you ride along with officers, help at community events, and learn real skills like crime scene control, policing ethics, and traffic safety. Explorers (ages 14–21) volunteer and gain hands-on experience, while cadets (usually 18–21) train in paid apprenticeships that can lead directly to a career in law enforcement. If you’re serious about your law enforcement career path, don’t wait—find a cadet or explorer program near you and take your first step toward becoming a police officer.
Joining a police cadet or explorer program is a great idea if you aspire to a career in law enforcement. While the specifics of each program may vary between departments, the goal of both is the same: to introduce young people to a potential career in law enforcement.
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What is a police cadet?
First of all, let’s explore the role of a police cadet. Cadet programs are essentially an entrée into law enforcement via an apprenticeship program for people between the age of 18 and 21, although the age requirement varies. Cadet programs are designed to transition enrollees into jobs as police officers.
Police cadet programs are run by the various local police departments, so each one has its own rules and requirements. Some offer paid positions; some are full-time while others are part-time, and some require the enrollee to be in college while participating.
In order for enrollees to experience the many different aspects of law enforcement, they’re rotated through various police divisions, such as traffic control, community policing and forensics.
A police cadet can expect to learn the following (among others), all of which are essential to a career in law enforcement:
- Firearm use
- Driving techniques
- Policing ethics
- State and local laws
- Cultural awareness
- Decision-making
- Crime scene control
- Life-saving techniques
- Report writing.
Upon completion of the program, selected enrollees can transition into a jobs as police officers by applying to the department and undergoing the testing process.
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What is a police explorer?
Many police departments offer police explorer programs, which are run in partnership with Learning for Life, a non-scouting subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America. While similar to cadet programs in training and hands-on experience within working departments, police explorers can be younger to participate (usually 14-21) and serve as volunteers only.
Like in many cadet programs, explorers also have the opportunity to participate in national conferences and competitions that put their training to the test.
How to become a police cadet
Many U.S. police departments offer cadet or explorer programs that provide young adults with early exposure to law enforcement careers. While each program has its own guidelines, most follow similar eligibility requirements and training steps.
Common requirements for police cadets include:
- Be a high school graduate, hold a GED, or be enrolled in school with a minimum GPA (often 2.0 or higher).
- Be between 16 and 21 years old (age limits vary by department).
- Have no disqualifying criminal arrests or convictions.
- Hold or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit with a safe driving record.
- Successfully complete a background check and interview.
Training and participation for cadets
Cadets receive classroom instruction, practical police training, and mentorship from sworn officers. They often wear a uniform to represent the program but do not have arrest authority. Instead, they assist officers in support and community roles.
Typical cadet activities include:
- Assisting at community events such as parades, fairs, and safety demonstrations.
- Supporting traffic control during collisions or special events.
- Observing and assisting at crime or incident scenes.
- Participating in ride-alongs with officers.
- Helping with community outreach and public education.
Law enforcement career pathway
Completion of a cadet program provides valuable experience, builds knowledge of law enforcement operations, and often serves as a stepping-stone to becoming a sworn police officer. Many departments encourage cadets to apply for full-time positions once they meet the minimum hiring age and qualifications.
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This article, originally published in November 2010, has been updated with current information, additional resources and a video. Police1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
