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Police Department

Police Cadet Unit

Note: We are reevaluating our Cadet program as of Jan. 1, 2023. All Cadet program activities have been suspended until further notice.

The Cadet Unit is assigned to the operations division of the police department. Cadets take an active role by participating in police ride-alongs, traffic patrols, records management and crime prevention.
Cadets conduct tours of the police department and provide security for community events with department personnel. 

Police Cadet recruitment process

The Police Cadet application process is closed. 

Cadet qualifications

The selection process involves an oral interview, police background check, and an executive interview with a member of the Cadet Unit's police advisor staff. 

To apply, you must:

  • Be 15-20 years old
  • Live in Gresham or its surrounding areas
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater (if still attending high school)
  • Have a clean criminal history
  • Have no moving traffic violations within the last year, or no more than two traffic violations of any kind on your driving record

The number of cadets selected each year varies depending on the availability of existing positions.

Cadet activities

Ride-alongs

Going on a ride-along is a great way for cadets to learn about law enforcement. Cadets observe and assist their host officers, learning how to operate the radios, write reports and complete other officer tasks. Once the cadets have the training, they can use the radios, in-car computers and complete forms and reports during their rides.

Traffic Control

Cadets provide crowd and traffic control for community events. They also conduct crowd and traffic control at major crime scenes, traffic accidents and disaster sites. Cadets have helped the SWAT team by assisting with crowd control during a callout.

Records Management

The Records Division is where all of the police reports and citations are recorded and filed. Cadets help by sorting files and updating labels.

Crime Prevention

The Cadets routinely work with young people at events such as the Police Activities League Sports Camp, and at crime prevention events, such as National Night Out.

Tours

Members of the Cadet Unit give tours of the department to various groups, including Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts and classes from area schools. Tours can be scheduled by contacting the unit at 503-618-2318 or Cadets@GreshamOregon.gov.

Security

The Cadets provide security for community events, both inside and outside the city. In the past, Cadets have helped with security at the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, Gresham Farmers' Market, Tigard Festival of Balloons and the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest.