Police Cadet

About the Role

The Cadet Program is designed to provide a continual supply of highly qualified, proficient police officers to the Lancaster City Bureau of Police. It fills the gap between high school graduation and the 21st birthday of police aspirants, strengthening their knowledge and training. The program aims to increase minority and female representation within the Lancaster City Bureau of Police and strengthen the relationship between the youth of the community and the police.

Responsibilities

• Work with various units and rotate through different departments, including Patrol, Selective Enforcement Unit, Criminal Investigative Division, Booking, Office of Community Engagement, and Horse and K9 trainings.
• Assigned to an evaluator within each unit who will complete an evaluation form.
• Participate in and/or observe use of force and firearms trainings.
• Assist police officers with non-emergency duties such as traffic and parking control, taking reports of minor crimes and incidents, and providing general support to the police bureau.
• Adhere to all laws, regulations, and policies governing the conduct and actions of the Bureau of Police.

Requirements

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment and may not have reached twenty-first birthday.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
• Must be able to work 15-19 hours per week on a year-round basis.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must successfully pass an oral review board, background investigation, polygraph examination, physical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug test.
• Must maintain a crime-free background and adhere to all regulations governing the conduct of the Bureau of Police.
• Must address all members of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police with the rank of patrolman or above by rank and as sir or ma'am.

Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who live within the School District of Lancaster (SDOL).

Selection Process

• Successfully pass an oral review board conducted by the Cadet Committee.
• Successfully pass a background investigation, including a polygraph examination.
• Undergo a physical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug test.
• Receive approval from the Chief of Police for employment.

Schedule

Part-time position requiring 15-19 hours per week, including days, nights, weekends, or as determined by the supervisor.

Advancement

• Each Cadet may advance to the position of police officer if they meet the following requirements:
  • Reach the age of twenty and successfully pass the civil service exam for police officer in the year of hiring.
  • Test with other applicants vying for police officer positions in the same time period.
  • Qualify for five preference points if they have successfully completed the Cadet program, as determined by the Chief of Police.
  • Attain a passing grade on the civil service exam to receive preference points.
  • Not be the subject of disciplinary action.
  • Receive a performance evaluation indicating probable satisfactory performance as an officer.
  • Pass a background investigation, polygraph, and meet all requirements of the Criminal History Records Act, Chapter 91 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.
  • Undergo physical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug screening upon conditional offer.
  • Meet all hiring and police academy entry regulations and criteria set forth by the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission and the Lancaster City Civil Service Commission.
  • Receive hiring approval from the Chief of Police and the Mayor.
• If no openings for police officer positions exist at the time of completion of the Cadet program, the Cadet may be retained until such openings occur.

Applicants must possess valid employment authorization to work in the United States and the ability to work on-site at City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania locations.