Cadet Program
Public Safety AcademiesA paid, part-time path into law enforcement for college students, started in 2022. Of 27 cadets hired, 7 have become Chesterfield officers and 1 a dispatcher.
About the Cadet Program
The Chesterfield Township Police Department began the Cadet Program in 2022 to hire people who are considering a career in law enforcement. Cadets work part-time at the department while they finish college, learning the job from veteran officers and dispatchers before they ever attend a police academy.
Once hired, cadets complete a 40-hour training program that covers report writing, private property accident reports, first aid, self defense, radio procedures and ride-alongs with veteran officers. Cadets then assist with lobby reports and conduct property checks on parks and other locations of interest within the township.
The program has become a reliable pipeline for the department, and the breakdown below shows where its cadets have gone.
What Cadets Do
- Complete a 40-hour training program in report writing, private property accident reports, first aid, self defense and radio procedures
- Ride along with veteran officers
- Assist with lobby reports at the station
- Conduct property checks on parks and other locations of interest within the township
Where Cadets Have Gone
Of the 27 cadets hired since the program began:
- 7 have become police officers within the department
- 1 has become a dispatcher
- 5 are attending the police academy in the spring of 2026
- 7 are currently working part-time as cadets
Cadet Program Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to be a cadet?
Applicants must be at least 18, a high school graduate with a valid driver's license, enrolled in an accredited college, of good moral character and reputation, and able to pass a detailed background check.
Is the cadet position paid?
Yes. Cadets are hired by the department and work part-time.
Do cadets become officers?
Many do. Of the 27 cadets hired since 2022, 7 have become Chesterfield police officers, 1 has become a dispatcher and 5 are attending the police academy in spring 2026.
How do I apply?
Visit the Careers page for current openings and the employment application.
Related Programs
Ride-Along Program
Ride with a Chesterfield Township patrol officer for a first-hand look at a shift. Open to adults with a signed release form and advance department approval.
Learn moreJunior Public Safety Academy
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Learn moreCitizens' Public Safety Academy
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