SAN JOSE PAL CADETS

San Jose Police Cadet Program

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 maintaining an outstanding career training program for its police cadets. The individual's personal initiative is the most decisive factor in his or her success.

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 years old and be in high school and no more than 20 years of age.
• No serious medical problems.
• No 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
 

* If you are interested in joining our program please download, complete, and submit a cadet application.   Please send your application by email to officer Steve Biskup at sjpd3569@gmail.com

Cadet Application

 MEETINGS/PHYSICAL TRAINING 

Meetings are held every Thursday. The purpose of these meetings 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. The last Saturday of each month is an academy day (known as "AD"). On this day the cadets are put through "a day in the life of SJPD police recruit". There is a uniform inspection, some drill time, along with some physical training and classroom time.

IN-HOUSE TRAINING CLASSES

Laws and police procedures are taught by police officers.
 
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. 

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. This activity is granted when other areas of cadet status are fulfilled.

For inquiries into the program please contact The Cadet Advisor officer Steve Biskup #3569 via email at sjpd3569@gmail.com