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.

No, Cadets do not have to be Criminal Justice majors. For example, some of our Cadets are Communications or Information Science majors.

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.

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.

Yes, as long as you are a U.S. Citizen before appointment to the position of police officer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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