Police Cadet

Montgomery County Government; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holiday leave

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Montgomery County Police Department is seeking highly motivated college students to join the Police Cadet Program. Cadets will work 20 hours per week and earn $28.82 per hour, with paid holiday leave and healthcare benefits.

The Cadet Academy runs Dec 28, 2026 – Jan 16, 2027, and cadets gain hands-on experience while pursuing a future career as a police officer. Candidates must be at least 18, enrolled full-time in college, and progressing toward an Associate or higher.

Qualifications

• Pass a comprehensive background investigation (8 week process).
• Pass a medical examination and a drug/alcohol screen.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
• Currently enrolled in college full-time and maintaining progress toward an Associate or higher.

Responsibilities

• On-the-job training in multiple assignments within the Police Department.
• Assist with administrative, technical and field duties to support operations.
• Interact with sworn and civilian personnel to gain insight into law enforcement careers.
• Attend college classes and Police Department trainings as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Fully enrolled in college full-time pursuing an Associate or higher

Job description

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The salary for this position will be $28.82 per hour worked

Cadets will work 20 hours per week Cadets participating in the program receive a salary of $28.82 per hour. Cadets will receive leave benefits; to include:

• paid holiday leave
• healthcare benefits.

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 800 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922 and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Start Your Law Enforcement Career Today

The Montgomery County Department of Police is seeking highly motivated and community-focused individuals to join our team as POLICE CADETS (The Cadet Academy will run from December 28, 2026 - January 16, 2027). This is an excellent opportunity for college students who are passionate about public service and interested in pursuing a future career as a Montgomery County Police Officer.

We are seeking candidates who are at least 18 years old, currently enrolled in college or university full-time, and maintaining continuous progress towards earning an Associate or higher.

If you are passionate about pursuing a future career as a Police Officer, we encourage you to consider joining us as a Police Cadet

What You'll Be Doing

The Police Cadet Program serves to identify and select qualified individuals contemplating a career in the field of law enforcement and provide them with career orientation and first-hand experience to better prepare them to become a Montgomery County Police Officer when they reach the minimum age requirement. However, a Cadet position is not a guarantee that the individual will be hired as a Police Officer Candidate.

Cadets work 20 hours a week performing a variety of hands-on administrative, technical, and other tasks supporting the functions, services, and operations of the Department while gaining insight and awareness into a law enforcement career and various phases of law enforcement. Cadets have an opportunity to work directly with, assist, and observe sworn and civilian personnel to experience the challenges and personal rewards of a career in law enforcement.

• Receives on-the-job training in numerous assignments including, but not limited to:
• Responds to questions received on the phone and/or at public information counter.
• Receives and issues police uniforms and equipment.
• Takes fingerprints.
• Receives and stores stolen property.
• Assists detectives with active investigations
• Directs traffic.
• Prepares and files elementary reports.
• Tags vehicles resulting from abandoned vehicle complaints.
• Attends college classes and Police Department training sessions as required.
• Assists department personnel with community policing and community outreach activities
• Prepares informational posts for the department's social media page
• Performs related duties as required.

Applicants must have the ability to:

• Pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the MCPD. (8 week process)
• Pass a a medical examination, and a drug/alcohol screen.

Experience: None

Education: Completion of High School

Equivalency: None

Other: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and must be at least 18 years old

License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence

• Currently enrolled in college or university full-time, and maintaining continuous progress towards earning an Associate or higher

• Prior or current Internship with a Law Enforcement Agency