Phoenix Police Cadet Program

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​​​​​​​​​The Cadet program ​is for career-oriented young adults aged 14 and older. Members are referred to as "Cadet" and are held to the highest of standards. The Cadet Program is a co-educational, young-adult program developed and supervised by local community organizations, businesses and individuals providing an opportunity for young adults to explore a particular career field.​​​​

The Phoenix Police Cadets:

Cadets are sponsored by the Phoenix Police Department as a community-based policing program. This successful program is designed to educate and involve young men and women in police operations and to interest them in law enforcement functions whether they enter the law enforcement field or not.

Cadets have the opportunity to assist the Phoenix Police Department. They can broaden their understanding and firsthand knowledge of the challenges and job skills that make up their community's police service. In addition to gaining a working knowledge of police work, the participants have the opportunity to give of themselves to their community. Although the Cadets are law enforcement oriented, they are volunteers and do not serve as police employees, sworn or civilian.

Cadet Experience:

The Phoenix Police Department provides an effective Law Enforcement Cadet program by:

Providing career training in the law enforcement area: patrol procedures; first aid, laws of arrest; leadership; field rides with patrol officers; Cadet Academy and local, regional, and national competition.

  • Providing social activities: out-of-state trips and attending sports events.
  • Provide community services: direct off-street traffic parking, crowd control at parades, administrative duties at briefing stations, neighborhood cleanup and crime fairs.
  • Provide leadership training: gain a sense of pride in our community and country and teach individual responsibilities.
  • Providing training for personal fitness: weight lifting, academy obstacle course and running.
  • Providing outdoor activities: backpacking, hiking adventures and camping.
​The Phoenix Police Department's Cadet Program meets every Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. Locations may vary depending on the type of training.  

Qualifications: 

Must be 14 and over of age (14 years old and have graduated from eighth grade)

  • Have a good moral character
  • Remain in school while in the program or until graduation.
  • Maintain a C average (70%) or higher
  • Not have a serious police record
  • Take and pass a written exam
  • Be able to attend weekly Cadet meetings
  • Be willing to volunteer your time to attend Cadet functions
  • Be willin​​g to commit to the Cadet Code and exemplify the professional image of the Phoenix Police Department

A Cadet orientations are held biannually, before the school year begins and after the winter holidays. Please email Officer Jamie Brooks, Jamie.Brooks@phoenix.gov​, for more information.


The testing process is typically held the week after orientation. See below for the testing process.

  • ​You will be REQUIRED to bring the completed Cadet Application with you on testing night.
  • ​​Written Test. Study guide is included in the Cadet Application Packet. You must pass the test to proceed onto the oral board and fingerprinting for your background screening.
  • Oral Board is not something you need to study for. Questions from a 2-person panel will be on topics concerning your individual personalities, accomplishments, activities, and history.
  • Background screening.

Your background packet, entrance exam, and fingerprints will be reviewed.  After the successful completion of the exam and background process, you will become a Recruit. Recruits will be placed on probation for three months. During the probation period you must attend all meetings and compete 8 hours of community service each month.

We request you view the What It Takes to Be a Cadet​ video so you better understand the Program prior to submitting any questions.​


Police Caded logo 

For more information on the Cadets program, contact:

Phoenix Police Department
Community Engagement  Bureau
Officer J. Brooks
620 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Jamie.Brooks@phoenix.gov


Download the

Cadet Application Pack​et​​