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The St. Louis County Police Department invites applicants to join its Cadet Program, an apprenticeship-style path for ages 18 to 21. This position is not full-time and cadets may work a maximum of 29 hours per week. Shifts do not run between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, hours coordinated with the Commander.
Cadets gain paid work exposure across multiple divisions, including Bureau of Communications, Police Academy, and various precinct units, preparing for a future law enforcement career.
Under direct supervision, police cadets perform a variety of routine and progressively more difficult professional staff (non-sworn) tasks in an apprenticeship style preparation for a career in law enforcement. A cadet rotates through various divisions of the Police Department and performs work as required. The employee must be able to exercise sound independent judgment under stress. Work assignments can be general or specific and instructions are received from a supervisor who reviews work methods and results through reports, personal inspection and discussion. The St. Louis County Police Department's Cadet Program is intended to provide a comprehensive and unique law enforcement training program with the goal of producing highly qualified, experienced, and educated law enforcement professionals. The St. Louis County Police Cadet will receive paid work exposure to an extensive array of Department resources in each of the Department's Divisions. Cadets will Ride-On-Patrol with each of the eight County Police Precincts, as well as work within the various work units, such as the Bureau of Communications, the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy, the Personnel Services Unit and the Fingerprint Unit. These assignments will allow the Cadet to become familiar with the various Department elements while assisting these elements in their functions.
Become a St. Louis County Police Cadet! This position is for applicants ages 18 to 21. This is NOT a full-time position. Police Cadets may work a maximum of 29 hours per week. No cadet shifts will occur between the hours of 12:00 AM through 6:00 AM. Hours are coordinated with the Commander.
Since the St. Louis County Police Department is able to offer such a diverse experience and meticulous introduction to numerous aspects involved in policing, this cadet program will develop not only qualified future applicants, but a reputation as one of the area’s finest programs. Due to this reputation, the County Police Cadet Program application process is highly competitive. A Cadet is not expected to have prior experience but is expected to have an interest in a career in law enforcement.
Citizen of the United States or valid work permit and apply for citizenship when eligible.
Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
Educational requirements and skills will be determined by the position classification.
Any illegal adult use or possession of a controlled substance, excluding marijuana, within one year prior to employment. The word “drug” refers to any type of controlled substance for which you do not have a prescription.
Department employees shall not display tattoos that are visible on the face, neck, or head. Tattoos which may be visible in a short sleeve uniform will be considered by the Chief of Police on a case-by-case basis. Imagery which may be deemed inappropriate or offensive in nature shall be considered grounds for disqualification. Applicants will be required to provide a photograph and explanation to provide context of any visible tattoos.
Must be free from conviction of a felony or a Class "A" misdemeanor, or misdemeanors that involve moral concerns, will be cause for immediate dismissal from the process, unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police.
Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis.
St. Louis County is committed to fair and equitable employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation.
St. Louis County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application or hiring process should contact the St. Louis County ADA Coordinator at 314-615-1796 or call Relay MO at 711 or 1-800-735-2966 (TTY) or email dlancaster@stlouiscountymo.gov.
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Saint Louis County is the most populous county in Missouri, home to over a million people and spans 523 square miles. Saint Louis County maintains a convenient proximity and access to the city of St. Louis while also providing a place where one can explore and carve out their own niche. Saint Louis County is a place where all are welcome to pursue the endless opportunities available to them.