Police Cadet

Introduction

The Racine Police Department serves the City of Racine in Southeastern Wisconsin with a population of 77,816 people. We are a department that has adopted the philosophy of Community Orientated Policing and is a recognized leader in this area. Our Mission is to Protect Life and Property, Promote Community Partnerships, Build Trust and Serve with Honor.

Position Purpose

Police Cadets are uniformed civilian employees who serve in an apprentice-style program designed to prepare them for a career as a Racine Police Officer. Duties include administrative and clerical functions within our Community Oriented Policing Unit, Patrol Division, administrative support, and Investigations. The assignments are widely varied so that the Police Cadet can experience a broad range of operational and administrative functions. The Police Cadet will be vital in department youth outreach and assisting in the organization of the Racine Police Department's Youth Cadet Program.

Essential Duties

• Answering and directing phone calls
• Assisting citizens via telephone, online, and in-person
• Operation of department issued radio
• Assist in facilitation of Racine Police Department Youth Cadets youth program
• Performing administrative/clerical duties such as typing, filing, data entry
• Assisting with special projects as assigned
• Plan, organize and execute a community engagement project
• Engage with the community to build positive relationships, assist in community events, and support outreach programs
• Create engaging and relevant content for social media platform(s)
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

Minimum Qualifications

• High school juniors who have successfully completed the 2025-2026 academic year or graduating high school seniors intending to enroll in college on a full-time basis in fall 2026 and current college students who are presently enrolled in 12 or more undergraduate college credits are eligible to apply
• Grade point average of 2.0 or above and maintained throughout program
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must possess a valid State of Wisconsin driver's license within one year of date of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Physically able to perform Police Cadet - and eventually Police Officer - training and job duties
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrable social networking experience
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population, in-person, via telephone, and in writing
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality; ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently
• A strong commitment to providing quality customer service
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with diverse publics in the City of Racine is required
• Demonstrated ability to think and act effectively in stressful situations
• Access to reliable transportation
• Motivated and able to complete the required educational and physical fitness programs

Conditions of Employment & Physical Demands

Environment: Office and community environments.

Physical Demands: Standing, walking, sitting, and stooping; kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing and bending/twisting; reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling (20 to 35 lbs.); handling, grasping, fingering, filing, typing, and writing.

Equipment Used: Effective utilization of computer workstation, radios, and telephone.

Pay

City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range.