Cadet Program

Where Leadership is Developed



The Cadet Unit is a volunteer operational unit designed to prepare the cadets for a career in law enforcement while supplementing the resources of the department. A cadet is required to fulfill at least four hours of service to the department each month. Some duties include providing assistance with the Ozark Empire Fair, dignitary visits, tours, parades and other events.

After graduation from the academy, cadets are able to utilize hands-on training. Cadets will have the opportunity to work with the different units within the department which include, but are not limited to, Uniform Operations, MSU Substation, Calaboose, Criminal Investigations, Leaving the Scene of a Crash (LSOC) Unit, and the Training Section. One of the benefits of staying current as a cadet is being able to ride along with an officer during his/her work shift.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Be at least 16 years of age upon completion of the Cadet Academy, but have not reached your 20th birthday at the time of application
  • Be attending high school and maintaining a 2.5 grade point average, or have a high school diploma or the equivalent, or have a G.E.D.
  • Possess a valid Missouri Driver's License or obtain one by the time of appointment
  • Be able to pass a background investigation
  • Possess no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
  • Have a desire for a career in law enforcement or a public safety occupation

Equipment

Cadets will be required to purchase black duty boots, t-shirt(s), BDU pants, socks, and workout attire.  They will be provided a name tag, Cadet Badge, duty uniforms, and other organizational equipment as needed. 

Training

The department provides all newly appointed cadet recruits with comprehensive, up-to-date training through the Springfield Police Cadet Academy. All cadet recruits must satisfactorily complete the Academy and attend a minimum of 85% of the academy training which lasts 3 months.

Some areas of training include:
  • Agency standards and procedures
  • Department organization
  • Report writing and forms
  • CPR / first aid
  • Physical fitness / nutrition
  • Defensive tactics
  • Firearms safety
  • DWI detection
  • Local geography
  • Arrest procedures
  • Traffic and municipal ordinances
  • Courtroom organization and procedures
  • Central records
  • Other miscellaneous topics

Application


Applications are open for the fall 2022 Cadet Academy. Deadline to submit an application 
is May 31, 2022. 

Anyone interested in becoming a cadet must complete an official application form and successfully pass a thorough background investigation and an oral interview. You will not be denied acceptance due to gender, color, race, religion, creed or national origin.

Information

If you have questions concerning this program, please call Officer Greg Young
at 417-864-1351.