Cadet Program

The Redwood City Police Cadet Program has a long and well-established history of offering valuable experience to local teens and young adults as they explore the vocation of law enforcement. Cadets provide hours of volunteer service to the Redwood City community during city events and large-scale incidents handled by the Police Department. The program also strives to provide participants with direction and guidance to prepare for the responsibilities of becoming a successful adult.

The requirements to join the Cadet Program as below: 

• Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 21 years old

• Enrolled in school or completed high school education

• Copy of your most recent report card showing a GPA of 2.0 or better

• Letter of recommendation from either a current or former teacher, school counselor, coach, or employer

• Applicants must not have any felony convictions and no pending criminal cases

• Applicants must be willing to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours a month to the program as well as attend monthly meetings and training sessions

The selection process begins with a completed Cadet application. Selected applicants are invited to an oral interview with the Police Department, followed by a background investigation for those who pass. Successful applicants then meet with the Chief of Police or their designee before joining the program.

There is a $50 registration fee for the Cadet Academy, which is the Cadet's responsibility to pay, along with the cost of their own boots. Two uniforms are provided by the Police Department, and scholarships may be available to qualified candidates to help offset program costs.

For more information about the Cadet Program, please reach out via the Contact Us page. For your convivence, the Cadet Program Application is posted below.