Police Cadet Program

The police cadet program is designed to offer an introduction to Law Enforcement for young men and women interested in pursuing career in this rewarding profession. The program provides mentorship, classroom instruction and hands on training.

Program Objectives:

• Instill an understanding and appreciation of the criminal justice system and the professional ethics applied to Law
• Develop an appreciation and understanding of South Carolina laws and court room

What will I do as a Police Cadet?

Once accepted into the program, cadets work many details and assignments in uniform and are involved in the following areas or community events/services:

• Attending weekly meetings
• School Events
• Parades
• Fundraising Events
• Ride-Along’s
• Patrol campus by foot or golf cart
• Observe and report suspicious or criminal activity
• Report unsafe conditions and inadequate lighting
• Ensure safety of the campus

Training Opportunities

Police Cadets gain valuable experience and training in the preparation for a career in Law Enforcement. Although Police Cadets have no Police Powers, they receive the following training:

• Community Policing philosophy
• Ethics and Decision-making
• Cultural Awareness
• Crime Scene Control
• Defensive Tactics
• Firearms Safety
• Report Writing
• South Carolina Laws
• CPR/First Aid/A.E.D

Requirements and Applications

Those interesting in the program must meet the following criteria

• Ages 18-20
• Maintain of a minimum of a 2 GPA
• Have no arrests or convictions which would prohibit employment as a Police Officer
• Able to pass a Background Investigation
• Able to Pass Interview with Captain/Chief and Program Advisors
• Be committed and wanting to progress into a career

Membership Requirements

Age: The Benedict College Police Department Cadet Program is open to all persons interested in Law Enforcement between the ages of 18-20.

School: All Applicants are required to be enrolled in college. Members are required to have and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 before applying and while a member of the Cadet Program.

Cadet Training: Cadets must complete a training Phase before being allowed to ride on patrol with a regular officer. 20 hours of ride-alongs with a Cadet Advisor, 20 hours of various details, and pass a test in order to complete the probation phase.

Meetings: Meetings will be held every Wednesday (TBA). All meetings are mandatory.

You must be willing to work to continually improve the cadet program. You must understand and be willing to obey all program rules and regulations, school policies and the Benedict College Police Department Policy and Procedure Manual

You must demonstrate a professional demeanor and remain in good standing at all times while in the Cadet Program; violators are subject to termination if otherwise.

Cadets will follow any order given by any Police Officer to the fullest.

Notice to Applicants

Application Process: Applications will begin to be reviewed for acceptance into the Police Cadet Program

Background Investigation: The Benedict College Police Depart1nent will conduct a co1nplete criminal and driving record investigation on each applicant. Applicants with any criminal convictions, whether arrested or citation, or a poor driving record may be disqualified. Applicants should attach a separate sheet of paper to their application to explain any convictions whether they be criminal or traffic. An example is as follows:

Conviction: Traffic

Charge: Speeding more than 5 mph over but less than 9

Outcome: Fine – 82.50

Date: 6/20/2017

Explanation:

Oral Interview: Applicants will be required to pass an oral interview given by Cadet Advisors and Captain/chief. Applicants will be asked a variety of questions pertaining to Law Enforcement and the applicant’s background.

If you have any question comments or concerns please contact Sergeant Sherman by email: shae.sherman@benedict.edu or office phone: 803-705-4626.