Police Cadet

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Cadet Program is funded by a Federal Grant and is designed to recruit, develop, and prepare future CMPD police officers. Through structured training, hands-on experience, mentorship, and direct interaction with sworn personnel, College Cadets support departmental operations, youth engagement, community outreach, recruiting efforts, and special events while gaining the knowledge, skills, and professional foundation needed to successfully transition into the CMPD Police Academy and serve the community with professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

Requirements

Be enrolled in Criminal Justice, Criminology Program, or related field.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be at least 17 years of age.
High School Graduate or possess GED.
Live within a 45-mile radius of the CMPD Central Headquarters Building and throughout employment as a Cadet, continue residing within this 45-mile radius.
Ability to commit at least twenty (20) work hours per week.
Must possess a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Must be a current College or University Student in good standing, taking a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Complete Job-Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT).
Has not committed or been convicted of any felony or serious misdemeanors.
Your qualification process will include an oral interview, background check, and drug test.

Responsibilities

Participate in and/or lead weekly physical fitness training designed to promote wellness and prepare Cadets for the physical requirements of the CMPD Academy and a law enforcement career.
Assist with the planning, coordination, implementation, and daily operations of CMPD youth programs, including the High and Middle School Explorers, Youth Academy, Mayor's Youth Employment Program, and other youth career development initiatives.
Represent the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department at community events, recruiting functions, career fairs, public safety demonstrations, and community engagement activities while serving as a mentor for youth participants.
Assist with administrative projects, event logistics, registration, equipment management, assigned projects, and other duties while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, accountability, and integrity.
Partner with City of Charlotte departments, Mecklenburg County agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to support collaborative problem-solving efforts that improve residents' quality of life.
Participate in activities that provide exposure to law enforcement operations, including ride-alongs, court proceedings, departmental meetings, specialized units, patrol operations, investigations, support services, communications, crime analysis, and community engagement.
Learn and apply CMPD directives, policies, procedures, criminal law, constitutional principles, ethical policing practices, police decision-making, report writing, legal standards, and departmental technology through classroom instruction and practical experience.
Conduct research and deliver individual and team presentations demonstrating analytical, organizational, written, verbal communication, leadership, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and partnership-building skills developed through projects, community service, and professional development activities.
Maintain a professional appearance and work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, as required to support departmental operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.