Police Cadet Program

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Cadet Position Information

The Police Cadet Program serves to identify and select qualified individuals contemplating a career in law enforcement and provide them with career orientation and first-hand experience to better prepare them to be Gaithersburg Police Officers. However, a Cadet position is not a guarantee that the individual will be hired as a City Police Officer Candidate.

Cadets perform a variety of hands-on administrative, technical and other tasks supporting the functions, services and operations of the Gaithersburg Police Department while gaining insight and awareness into a law enforcement career and the 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 police career.

Candidates should exhibit good character, sound judgment, honesty, reliability, and integrity that blend together with a philosophy of community-oriented policing and a strong desire to serve the citizens of Gaithersburg.

Salary & Benefits

Minimum Requirements

Be at least 18 years old (at the time of hire).
Have the ability to lawfully become employed in the United States.
Possess a valid driver’s license and good overall driving record.
Be in excellent physical and mental condition as determined by comprehensive examinations.
Have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a high school diploma recognized by the Maryland Department of Education or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Be of good moral character, with no felony or misdemeanor convictions for which a sentence of imprisonment for one year or more could have been imposed.
Not be a current user of illegal drugs.
Pass a comprehensive background check.
Be attending and successfully participating in an accredited community college, college or university in an area of concentration that will prepare the candidate for a law enforcement career; classes are not limited to criminal justice programs.
Be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Application & Selection Process

Complete and submit an online application and respond to all supplemental questions.
Applications, which include a Confidential Questionnaire, will be screened for employment eligibility by the City of Gaithersburg.
Candidates selected to move forward in the process must complete a comprehensive applicant questionnaire & undergo an extensive selection process which includes a written examination, fitness test, structured interview, a background investigation & truth verification testing.

For more information on the Physical Fitness Test Requirements, please click on the link below:

Physical Fitness Test Requirements Flyer

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

If I am selected as a Cadet, will I have to repeat the hiring process if I apply to be a police officer with the Gaithersburg Police Department when the time comes?
One of the main purposes of the Cadet Program is to ensure a smooth transition into the hiring process of a Gaithersburg Police Officer. Selected Cadets have already gone through various stages of the process such as the written examination, writing sample, preliminary fitness test, structured interview, a stringent background investigation and truth verification testing.

When Cadets apply to become a police officer with the Gaithersburg Police Department, they will need to apply online, update their Confidential Questionnaire, undergo an abbreviated background investigation, and conduct a medical and psychological examination.
Can I be a Cadet & attend college?
Yes, it is required that all Cadets be college students.
Can I still be a Cadet after I finish college?
The employment of a police cadet may be extended after obtaining a college degree while awaiting a police officer candidate recruitment cycle.
Do Cadets have to be a Criminal Justice major?
No, Cadets do not have to be Criminal Justice majors. For example, some of our Cadets are Communications or Information Science majors.
If I am in high school, and/or if I am under 18 years of age, may I still apply?
You may start the application process while in high school, however, you must be 18 years old and be registered as a full-time college student before appointment.
Do Cadets have to live within the City of Gaithersburg or Montgomery County?
No, as long as Cadets can make it to their assignments on time and are prepared to work, they do not have to live in the City of Gaithersburg or Montgomery County.
Can I apply if I am currently in the process to get citizenship?
Yes, as long as you are a U.S. Citizen before appointment to the position of police officer.
What are day-to-day operations like for a Cadet?
Cadets are exposed to numerous opportunities within the Gaithersburg Police Department as well as other law enforcement agencies. Given these opportunities, Cadets are not subject to the same schedule all the time. Instead, their schedule varies day-to-day. Cadets undergo different trainings, attend police-related events and gain exposure to different areas of the police world.
What do Cadets wear?
Cadets are issued two uniforms, as seen in the pictures below:

Class A Uniform Class B Uniform

The assignment will dictate which uniform a Cadet wears.

Cadets are also issued and are responsible for various pieces of equipment such as a flashlight, a Cadet high-visibility safety vest and an equipment bag.
Is it required that Cadets have a car?
No, as long as Cadets can make it to their assignments on time and are prepared for work, they do not have to have a car. While some accommodations may periodically be made, Cadets will generally need to be able to provide their own mode of transportation to and from assignments.
How flexible is a Cadet’s schedule?
Every effort will be made to provide flexibility for school schedules, and Cadets are expected to work up to 20 hours per week. Schedules are subject to change as Cadets rotate between various work assignments.
Do Cadets receive training?
Yes, Cadets receive regular training which include: Use of Force, Leadership, Patrol Procedures, Gangs, Traffic Stops, and Crime Prevention. Within these trainings are hands-on role-play scenarios. Cadets also receive certification in CPR/AED.
Do Cadets go on field trips?
Yes, Cadets attend field trips. Some tours that the previous Cadets have attended include:
- Montgomery County Correctional Facility
- Montgomery County Park Police - Special Operations
- National Law Enforcement Officers Museum in Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Capitol