Police Cadet

The City of Garden Grove is currently accepting online applications for the position of:

Final date to receive applications for this recruitment is Monday, November 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

We recognized the value of having our Police Department work in close partnership with our community long ago, and have seen the quality of life in Garden Grove steadily improve as a result. A community policing philosophy has created strong alliances with citizens, businesses, schools, and other governmental agencies and special interest groups throughout the City. The Police Department consists of 182 sworn staff, including the police chief, three (3) captains, seven (7) lieutenants, 23 sergeants, and 148 police officers, in addition to civilian personnel.

The City of Garden Grove takes pride in our Police Cadet program. This program is designed to provide a service to the City, the Police Department and the community. The goal of the Police Cadet program is to expose young adults to hands‑on experience, and a broad overview of a career in law enforcement and what it takes to be a member of the Police Department.

Police Cadets may work in various units of the Police Department, such as Investigations, Neighborhood Traffic, Property and Evidence, Gang Suppression, Crime Prevention, and Youth Services.

• Handling public inquiries;
• Assisting sworn and civilian personnel with essential non‑emergency tasks;
• Operating communication equipment;
• Writing reports;
• Performing other related duties as required.

AGE: The maximum age for a candidate to enter this program is 22 and one-half years old (22 years and six months old) at the time of application close. Police Cadets may remain active in the program until their 25th birthday.

WORK AUTHORIZATION: Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States under federal law.

CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE & DRIVING RECORD: Applicants must possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license and an acceptable driving record prior to and throughout employment. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.

ABILITIES AND

SKILLS:

Applicants must demonstrate that they possess: the ability to pay close attention to details; the ability to understand and accurately apply oral and written instructions, laws, orders, policies and procedures, effective oral communication, strong customer service skills; and ability to work closely, cooperatively and effectively with City staff members, Garden Grove's diverse citizens and various representatives of other agencies.

BILINGUAL

SKILLS:

Applicants possessing the ability to speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean are highly desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have no felony convictions.

The job application must be completely filled out. Please do not refer to a resume. Only applicants who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation.

Applicants should check their email and spam mail for any notices regarding their status.