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Cadet Program

Pasadena City College Cadet Corps is an excellent stepping stone for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. Cadets are able to acquire a valuable understanding of how a Police Department is managed, how police investigations are conducted, and how to utilize the skills they learn around the campus and at home. The Cadet Corps also aids the Cadets in determining if this is a suitable career choice for them. There are numerous opportunities in the Cadet Corps to gain experience, build confidence, and interact with the public and Police Officers. We have numerous Cadets process with other departments and advance into the law enforcement field as police officers. The Cadet Corps has something to offer each individual interested in law enforcement. The life of a Police Cadet is filled with memorable experiences and vast opportunities.

POSITION

POLICE CADET:

A Police Cadet first undergoes rigorous training with a Cadet Corporal. After training is completed, they are required to take and pass a final exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, a Cadet is evaluated and then put on a 6 month probationary period. They begin in the patrol division. After their probation, they are capable of promoting or transferring into any available position if requirements are met. Each position demands that the Cadet pass a written and oral examination process, separate from the hiring process. Some positions require the Cadet successfully pass a physical agility exam.

The duties of a Police Cadet are to observe and report. It requires full uniformed patrol of Campus and/or parking structures. Cadets are obligated to stand or walk for long periods of time.  Our Cadet Corps has two set shifts; Boy Watch (6:30AM – 2:30PM) and Charles Watch (1:30PM -10:00PM) Monday through Sunday. Cadets are required to work a minimum of two days a week. However, there are extra events that Cadets can partake in including flea market, basketball games, football games, graduations, and other school activities. Cadets respond to various occurrences on a daily basis including thefts, medical emergencies, disturbances, traffic collisions, protests, etc. Every day is different, which in turn requires Cadets to think on their feet and work as team. Although our department does not mandate for a Cadet to be enrolled in school, we do encourage Cadets to continue their education and advance in broader opportunities. We do our best to accommodate a Cadets school schedule into their work schedule.

HIRING PROCESS

Written Application:

Applicants must first thoroughly and correctly fill out an application for the Police Cadet position. All applications can be acquired and submitted to Campus Police (B210) during regular business hours (Mon-Fri: 6:00AM-6:00PM). Any incorrectly filled out or withheld information on your application can be terms for application rejection.

Cadet Captain/Lieutenant Oral Interview:

After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be scheduled for an interview. It is imperative that the applicant arrive early for his/her interview. A panel consisting of ranking Cadets will interview and grade you on your:

  • eye contact
  • confidence
  • dress/demeanor
  • logic and reasoning
  • quality of response to questions asked regarding:
  • how well you follow orders/instructions
  • scenarios
  • writing
  • adaption to diverse environments

Police Sergeant Oral Interview:

Upon passing the first oral interview, you will be scheduled for a follow up interview with the Police Sergeant. The interview will consist of a variety of questions to determine if the applicant is suitable for the position.

Background Investigation:

Once you pass both oral interviews, you will be sent to get your live scan fingerprints (Cost is $32 to be paid by the Cadet applicant).  During the background process, your references and previous employer(s) will be contacted for information. Your social security will be checked for validity and any discrepancies.   

Selection:

You will be given notification on the definitive status of your background. Once you’ve passed the background process, you will be scheduled for training and asked to purchase/pick-up mandatory uniform items.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Must be able to pass a background examination ,no criminal or reckless history (any applicant convicted of a felony is not eligible)
  • U.S. Citizen or work permit
  • Able to read and write basic English
  • Applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent

 

CADET RANKINGS

RANK/POSITION

DUTIES

Captain (Cpt.)

Oversees the entire Cadet Corps as a whole. Works closely with the chief of police and the police sergeant. Supervises the Cadet Lieutenants. Makes executive Cadet related decisions. 

Lieutenant (Lt.)

Supervises the Cadet Sergeants. Each lieutenant is designated a particular division (patrol, parking, admin.). They carry out positive and negative reports.

Sergeant (Sgt.)

Supervises lower ranking Cadets and entire shifts. Cadet Sergeants are designated to a particular division. They generate daily deployments and verbally counsel Cadets.  They recommend disciplinary action. They also patrol and audit Cadets.

Corporal (Cpl.)

Administrative division. Train new Cadets and re-train existing Cadets. Conduct quizzes during briefing and/or debriefing. Evaluate new Cadets.

Bike Patrol

Patrols main campus and parking lots on bicycles. Issues parking citations. First responders to medical emergencies. In charge of placing and removing vehicle immobilization devices.

Front Counter

Administrative desk personnel. Handles all parking appeals and parking citation payments. Answers any campus related questions. Inputs parking information into computer programs.

Gateway

Gate arm booth units. Designates which vehicles are permitted into staff parking lots. Issues staff guest passes. Greets staff members upon entering parking lots.

Video Surveillance

Works closely with dispatch personnel. Monitors and uses video surveillance cameras.

Parking Patrol

Patrols parking structures on foot. Issues parking citations. Can place and remove vehicle immobilization devices. Conducts traffic control.

Regular Patrol

(New Hire)

Patrols campus on foot. In charge of securing or opening rooms on campus. Responds to dispatched calls and medical emergencies. Receive majority of calls.