Position

This is an exciting opportunity for community youth to volunteer alongside police officers in a program synonymous with the nationally recognized Public Safety Cadet Program. Police Cadets are community service volunteers between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in learning, training, and participating in a wide variety of law enforcement functions and activities. Cadets serve the San Mateo Police Department and the community in uniform under the supervision of a police officer designated as the program coordinator. 

Program Purpose

• To promote and provide positive young adult engagement through police and community involvement participation.
• To organize, maintain, and provide trained young adults for community service projects and certain law enforcement functions. 
• To create the potential for young adults to learn discipline, responsibility, leadership, character development, build confidence, and instill the importance of continuing their education.
• To provide elementary law enforcement awareness and training to give young adults the experience necessary to understand the complexities of a career in law enforcement.
• To promote teamwork through achievement as well as personal and group development.
• All volunteer hours fulfill community service requirements for high school graduation and college entry applications. 

Qualifications

• Possess a California identification card, California driver’s license, or United States Passport.
• Candidates must be 14 to 20 years of age at the time of appointment and attend high school or college while maintaining at least a “C” average.
• Candidates who are 17 years old or younger require signed consent from their parent or guardian.
• The candidate must be able to carry out oral and written directions and have a flexible schedule to include weekdays and weekends.
• Must pass background investigation.
• In addition, cadets are required to attend monthly meetings and complete 10 hours of volunteer work per month.

Expectations

• Mandatory class trainings 1st & 3rd Thursday 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the police department.
• 10 mandatory volunteer hours per month.
• The Police Cadet Academy is 9 weeks long and will be on Sundays. This is mandatory to participate in the program.
• Adhere to the Cadet Manual rules and Expectations.

Policy Manuals

• Public Safety Cadets Standard Operating Procedures 
• San Mateo Police Cadet Manual

How to Apply

Applicants must have a valid government-issued identification card to proceed with the background investigation. This can be a California identification card, a California driver's license, or a United States passport. School identification cards are not accepted.

To apply to be a Police Cadet, review the information listed above, and submit an application to begin the process. You must email your completed application to joinsmpd@cityofsanmateo.org. A recruiter will follow up with you after it’s received.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you have questions about the Police Cadet Program, start by checking our FAQ page. Many common questions about eligibility, the application process, and program expectations are answered there.

If you still need help, feel free to reach out. You can call or email the Recruiting Unit directly at joinsmpd@cityofsanmateo.org or 650-522-7629. We’re happy to talk with you and make sure you have the information you need before applying.