The Cadet Program has refocused its emphasis on early
development of youth interested in seeking careers in law enforcement.
Throughout the year, cadets learn and practice police techniques including
enforcement tactics and strategies, legal precedents and statutes, and
community policing. Those who are interested travel regionally and throughout
the State to compete with other Cadet teams in order to further develop their
skills and challenge their resolve to pursue a career in law enforcement. In
recent years, the Cadet Program has grown into an award-winning group, gaining
regional acknowledgments for their performance.
Cadets are unarmed and are not police officers, nor do they
undertake enforcement tasks in any capacity, however cadets are exposed to policing
topics within controlled environments and under close supervision of Police
Department employees. The primary goal of this program is to expose youths with
an interest in law enforcement to core values and functions that frame this
profession. The Redwood City Police Department continues to benefit from the
Cadet Program, as a number of cadets, have eventually gone on to be selected as
police officers.
The Cadet Program is located in the Police Activities League
(PAL) building on Bay Road and enjoys partnership with this program as Cadets
serves as role models for youth in the community. Cadets must volunteer at
least ten hours of their time each month, as well as attend monthly meetings
and training sessions. Working with sworn police officers at public events and
assisting in various capacities throughout the Department helps the young
people develop new leadership skills and explore many of the facets of public
service while learning to stand on their own two feet.
More information can be
found on the Redwood City Police Department’s Cadet Program webpage at:
