Founded in 1974, the Salem Police Cadet Unit is a volunteer program sponsored by the Salem Police Department.  The Cadet Unit serves the community by training young people for the future that awaits them in law enforcement.  Cadets attend a scaled down version of the Police Academy where they are trained in law enforcement practices and the code of ethics.  To hone their skills, they also compete in the LEC (Law Enforement Challenge) every year, which offers the opportunity to compete against cadets from other agencies around the state.  The Cadet Unit is called upon to assist with a wide variety of functions and local events, such as the Octoberfest, the Festival of Lights, and the Art Fair.  Their day to day activites help them develop self-confidence and responsibility while providing a positive relationship between police and the youth of our community.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A CADET?

• Candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 21 years of age. 
• Candidates must be attending school and working toward graduation or a degree.
• Candidates must carry at 2.5 GPA or higher.
• Candidates must not have any felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Candidates must be of good moral character.
• Candidates must be physically capable of performing assigned tasks.
• Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing interest in law enforcement.
  

THE PROCESS INCLUDES:

• Submitting a written application.
• Taking a test.
• Appearing before an oral board.
• Going through a background check.
  

If you would like more information on the Cadet program, please contact Officer Becky Carpenter by calling 503-588-6050, ext 22338.  You can also send an email to RCarpenter@cityofsalem.net

If you would like to download an application form in PDF format, click here.