What is the Cadet Program?
The Springfield Police Department Cadet Program is an on the job training program for individuals interested in a career in law enforcement. Cadet candidates must pass a qualifying examination to be eligible to be accepted into the cadet program.
Eligibility
- Must become a resident of the City of Springfield, Ma. within one year of hire.
- Citizen of the United States of America.
- Must be between the ages of 17 ½ and 23 years of age on the date of the examination.
- Be of good moral character, without any felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
- Present a high school diploma or school counselor letter stating that the applicant will be graduating at the end of the current year.
- Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth prior to being appointed.
- Must be capable of passing a physical examination equal to that necessary for appointment as a Police Officer in the Commonwealth.
- Must enroll in a college program and be awarded an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice or equivalent number of credits awarded in a four year program before completion of the Cadet Program.
Job Responsibilities
Cadets perform a variety of routine duties some of which are:
- Clerical and Administrative duties.
- Record Daily Reports.
- Assist with Fingerprinting.
- Process Arrests, Restraining Orders, and City Tows.
In short, cadets perform all department administrative functions except those that require actual police powers and authority.
Benefits of the Program
Along with specialized cadet training, benefits of the program include:
- Paid Vacation
- Holiday and Sick Leave Provisions
- Uniforms Provided
- Flexible work schedule
Police cadets who have completed at least three years of service, have obtained an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement and/or Criminal Justice and meet the requirements, are eligible to be placed at the top of the list for an appointment to the Springfield Police Department as a Police Officer.
Check back periodically to this SPD website, in the Programs section, to learn when the next enrollment period opens for the cadet exam.