| The Law Enforcement Unit (LEU) Cadet Program was created to introduce young people to law enforcement as a career opportunity. The Cadet Program was first organized by the Boy Scouts of America in 1964. The Explorer Program was then administered by volunteers of the San Jose Police Department. In 1968 the program was transferred to direct sponsorship by SJPD when the Police Activities League was formed. With the change of sponsors, the name Explorers was changed to the Law Enforcement Unit. Also in 1968, young women first joined the ranks of the unit.
The San Jose Police Activities League is committed to maintain an outstanding career training program for its police cadets. The individual's personal initiative is the most decisive factor in his or her success.
THE PURPOSE OF THE CADET PROGRAM
- To recruit qualified young adults who have an interest in law enforcement.
- To teach the policies and procedures of the San Jose Police Department and related areas of law enforcement.
- To develop leadership qualities.
- To improve relations between the police and young people.
- To provide service to the community.
- To assist the San Jose Police Department when called upon.
ELIGIBILITY
- Must be at least 14 yrs old and be in high school and no more than 20 years of age.
- No serious medical problems.
- No extensive criminal background.
- Under 18 years of age requires parental consent.
- Must have an interest in law enforcement.
- Must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 / "C" grade point average.
APPLICATION PROCESS
You can download a Cadet Program membership application here .
Applicants will complete a membership application and submit it to the LEU Advisor. Each applicant will be scheduled for an oral interview and will be required to submit a current school transcript. Every applicant will enter the program with the status of Cadet Recruit and will be required to attend an in-house academy just as soon as one becomes available. Upon completion of the academy and the probationary period, the status of Cadet Recruit will change to Cadet.
MEETINGS
Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The purpose is to educate the cadet in the different areas of the San Jose Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Films, guest speakers, lectures, practical exercises and demonstrations are used.
IN-HOUSE TRAINING CLASSES
Laws and police procedures are taught by police officers. Classes are taught every Tuesday and Thursdays for one month with exams for each class.
FIELD TRIPS
Trips are taken to police departments, prisons, and other law enforcement-related locations.
YOUR COMMITMENT
Cadets are required to put in 15 volunteer hours each month. All approved PAL activities are credited towards 15 hours, including time spent at PAL office doing school work.
FIELD EXPERIENCE
Cadets gain experience in community relations by becoming involved in many different areas of public relations and crime prevention. They participate with different divisions of the San Jose Police Department and in crowd control at public functions. One example is the fingerprinting of young children.
PATROL RIDE ALONG
One of our most instructive and popular activities is the ride-along program. It gives qualified cadets first-hand experience in observing law enforcement in progress. The cadet rides with an officer in a patrol vehicle as an observer, learning reasons why and how the police officer must react to different situations which occur in their daily contact with the public and/or hazardous incidents.
Contact Officer Domingo Rico - Cadet Commissioner at (408) 272-9725 for additional information. |
