The Village of Algonquin, IL

The Algonquin Police Department is proud to sponsor the Public Safety Cadet Program, which provides young adults with the opportunity to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program is designed to train and guide cadets in all functions of the Algonquin Police Department and law enforcement in general.

Experienced police officers provide training in various police-related skills such as traffic accident investigations, handling domestic disputes, processing crime scenes, building searches, and arrest techniques. Weekly meetings are on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Algonquin Police Department located at 2200 Harnish Drive. In addition to classroom training, the cadets ride in a squad car with a full-time police officer to mentor them and observe various police functions. Cadets also have the opportunity to perform the Power Test and Agility Test to prepare for future testing to become full-time police officers.

The program's goal is to send a team of cadets to attend a nationwide conference where they participate in competitions, develop new friendships, and learn valuable skills. Sworn officers judge the cadets' knowledge of police procedures and their response to simulated police calls during the competitive phase.

The relationship between the department and the cadets benefits both the community and the individual cadet. Cadets assist sworn officers during community outreach events, including the annual Founders' Day Festival and more.

To become a Public Safety Cadet, you must meet certain requirements, including:

• Being between the ages of 14-21 years old (14 years old is acceptable only if you have graduated from eighth grade and are enrolled in high school).
• Having good moral character.
• Remaining in school while in the program or until graduation.
• Maintaining a "C" average (70%) or higher.
• Not having any serious police records or excessive moving violations.
• Being able to attend weekly Cadet meetings.
• Being willing to volunteer your time to attend Cadet functions.
• Being willing to commit to the Cadet Code and exemplify the professional image of the Algonquin Police Department.

Several former program members have gone on to become full-time police officers with police departments in the area. If you meet these requirements and are interested in learning more about the Algonquin Police Department's Public Safety Cadet Program, please complete the interest form below.