Definition: Under direct supervision, police cadets perform a variety of routine and progressively more difficult professional staff (non-sworn) tasks in an apprenticeship style preparation for a career in law enforcement. A cadet rotates through various divisions of the Police Department and performs work as required. Work does not involve elements of personal danger. The employee must be able to exercise sound independent judgment under stress. Assignments may include work on special tasks, which call upon specialized abilities and knowledge possessed by the officer. Work assignments can be general or specific and instructions are received from a supervisor who reviews work methods and results through reports, personal inspection and discussion.
This position is for applicants ages 18 to 21. To apply for a full-time police officer position, please see that posting.
The St. Louis County Police Department's Cadet Program is intended to provide a comprehensive and unique law enforcement training program with the goal of producing highly qualified, experienced, and educated law enforcement professionals. The St. Louis County Police Cadet will receive paid work exposure to an extensive array of Department resources in each of the Department's Divisions. Cadets will Ride-On-Patrol with each of the eight County Police Precincts, as well as work within the various work units, such as the Bureau of Communications, the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy, the Personnel Services Unit and the Fingerprint Unit. These assignments will allow the Cadet to become familiar with the various Department elements while assisting these elements in their functions.
Since the St. Louis County Police Department is able to offer such a diverse experience and meticulous introduction to numerous aspects involved in policing, this cadet program will develop not only qualified future applicants, but a reputation as one of the area's finest programs. Due to this reputation, the County Police Cadet Program application process is highly competitive. A Cadet is not expected to have prior experience, but is expected to have an interest in a career in law enforcement.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Since the St. Louis County Police Department is able to offer such a diverse experience and meticulous introduction to numerous aspects involved in policing, this cadet program will develop not only qualified future applicants, but a reputation as one of the area’s finest programs. Due to this reputation, the County Police Cadet Program application process is highly competitive. A Cadet is not expected to have prior experience, but is expected to have an interest in a career in law enforcement.
CITIZENSHIP: Citizen of the United States or valid work permit, and apply for citizenship when eligible.
AGE LIMITS: Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
EDUCATION: Educational requirements and skills will be determined by the position classification.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG GUIDELINES: Any illegal adult use or possession of a controlled substance, including marijuana, within one year prior to employment. The word “drug” refers to any type of controlled substance for which you do not have a prescription; to include marijuana in all forms (edibles, gummies, or any other product containing THC).
TATTOO POLICY: Applicants and Department employees shall not display tattoos that are visible on the face, neck, head or hands. Visible tattoos on other areas of the body may be displayed with Department approval.
ARREST: Must be free from conviction of a felony or a Class "A" misdemeanor.
MILITARY: Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis.
COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS
Under the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the St. Louis County Police Department are made on the basis of a continuously open, competitive hiring process conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit. Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Board of Police Commissioners resolved that subject to all applicable State and Federal statutory or judicial exemptions, all qualified applicants for employment and/or advancement, whether commissioned or civilian, shall be given equal opportunity for consideration, selection, appointment and retention, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation.