The
mission of the Senior Cadet Unit is to provide
quality service while improving the efficiency
of the Stockton Police Department. As responsible
young adults preparing for careers in law enforcement,
we are committed to fostering pride, integrity,
and dedication by maintaining the highest standards
of training, professionalism, and personal
conduct. As a diverse group of community volunteers,
we will work in partnership with our department
to enhance the quality of life in the city
of Stockton.
About
the Senior Cadet Unit
The Stockton Police Department is looking for
responsible young adults who are willing to serve
their community as they learn about the most exciting
and rewarding component of the criminal justice
system, law enforcement.
The
Police Department’s Senior Cadet Unit
provides many individuals an opportunity to
explore the challenging world of police work.
We are now recruiting dedicated, highly-motivated
volunteers who want to take the first step
toward a career in law enforcement.
Our
Senior Cadets perform a number of non-hazardous
duties and are exposed to a variety of police
activities. While serving in the Unit, many
Senior Cadets are able to complete their college
degrees or attend the basic police academy.
Several former Senior Cadets have become Stockton
Police Officers or have gained full-time peace
officer positions with other allied agencies.
For many participants, the Senior Cadet Program
opens doors to a variety of exciting career
opportunities.
Responsibilities & Duties
Senior Cadets perform a number of important
duties that expose them to a variety of law enforcement
functions. Upon appointment, Senior Cadets complete
a comprehensive training program that teaches them
how to perform the basic duties of their position.
Much of this training mirrors that of full-duty
police officers. Some of the duties normally assigned
to Senior Cadets include:
- Traffic
and crowd control at accident and crime scenes
- .DUI
checkpoints.
- Transport
and booking of property and evidence.
- Recovering
unoccupied stolen vehicles
- Abandoned
auto abatement.
- Search
for missing persons.
- Animal
Control functions.
- Work
at major special events, such as the Asparagus
Festival, San Joaquin County Fair, First
Night Out, and others.
- Serve
as role-players for police officer training
sessions.
In
addition, Senior Cadets also work within various
divisions of the Police Department, where they
assist with many important support duties.
Minimum
Qualifications
Senior Cadets must be responsible, mature,
and willing to commit to at least 16 volunteer
hours each month. Other qualifications include:
- At
least 18 years old, and no more than 23 years
old at the time of appointment.
- High-school
graduate or equivalent.
- Enrolled
in college or must have completed six semester
college units.
- Possess
a valid California driver’s license,
and maintain a good driving record.
- Have
no criminal record or history of delinquency.
- Have
an interest in exploring a career in law
enforcement or a desire to learn about the
criminal justice system.
- Be
able to attend bi-weekly meetings on Sunday
evenings.
- Be
able to successfully pass a comprehensive
background investigation.
Selection
Process
Each application is reviewed by sworn police
officers who comprise the Senior Cadet Unit’s
Advisory Staff. Many Advisory Staff members began
their law enforcement careers as Senior Cadets.
Selected applicants will be invited to participate
in an oral interview to further determine their
qualifications and interest in the program.
Qualified
applicants who successfully complete the oral
interview will undergo a comprehensive background
investigation. Those candidates who pass each
phase of the selection process may be appointed
to the position of Senior Cadet.
How
to Apply
Click
here to fill out the Volunteer Application Form (PDF) for
the Senior Cadet Program. You can then print, sign, and mail
it to:
Stockton
Police Department, Senior Cadet Unit,
22 East Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202.
For more information, contact Sgt. Bedford, at (209) 937-8377.
Stockton,
CA 
Code Enforcement