FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Springfield Police Department is now accepting applications for its Cadet Unit, which is a volunteer operational unit designed to prepare the cadets for a career in law enforcement while supplementing the resources of the department.
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 percent of the academy training which will run from Sept. 20-Dec. 1, 2016.
Some areas of training include: agency standards and procedures, department organization, report writing and forms, CPR/first aid, physical fitness and nutrition, defensive tactics, firearms safety, DWI detection, local geography, arrest procedures, traffic and municipal ordinances, courtroom organization and procedures and central records.
After graduation from the academy, cadets are able to experience hands-on training. Cadets will have the opportunity to work with some of the different areas within the department to include Uniform Operations, the Missouri State University substation, the Calaboose, Criminal Investigations, Leaving the Scene of a Crash investigative unit and the Training Section.
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.
One of the benefits of staying current as a cadet is being able to ride along with a patrol officer during a shift. Also, if a cadet is in good standing for three years, he or she is then only required to have 30 accredited college hours rather than 60 if applying to be a Springfield police officer.
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 applicationBe 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 Be free from any mental or physical disabilities that would prevent employment as an officer by the Springfield Police Department Anyone interested in becoming a cadet must complete an official application form by July 17. Any questions about the program can be directed to Officer Shawn Andrews at 417-864-1351.
Cadet Video
# # #
Media Contact: Lisa Cox, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
[email protected]