Become a Cadet

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The Police Cadet Training Program provides educational and on-the-job training opportunities to qualified District of Columbia residents. 

Applicants must:

1. Reside in the District of Columbia
    
2. Must be between 17 and 20 years of age by December 31 of the current school year
    
3. Must be enrolled in a District of Columbia high school OR have graduated from high school and received their diploma OR a GED issued by the District of Columbia

In order to qualify for the Police Cadet Training Program, candidates must meet similar requirements to those required of entry-level police officers.  Police Cadet Training Program applicants must pass college-level entrance examinations in English and Math. MPD Cadet Training Program Brochure (PDF)

Philosophy

The Police Cadet Training Program is designed to prepare candidates for entrance into the Metropolitan Police Officer Recruit Program.

Cadets earn sixty college credits at the University of the District of Columbia to satisfy the Metropolitan Police Department's police recruit entrance requirement. The program also helps cadets develop the analytical thinking skills required to meet the challenges of their complex roles as problem-solvers, service providers, and professionals in the criminal justice system of the 21st century.

Operating through a cooperative education model, the Metropolitan Police Department seeks to inspire District of Columbia youths to play a more positive role in improving their neighborhoods. The underlying focus of cadet training is on self-discipline and instilling core values, such as service to the community.

The Police Cadet Training Program ensures that a steady stream of District of Columbia youth are actively recruited to join the Metropolitan Police Department as future police officers.