Police Cadet

Police Cadet

The City of Jackson is currently accepting applications for the following full‑time employment opportunity:
Police Cadet.

The City of Jackson is committed to becoming a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We are dedicated to creating an environment that fully embraces all our differences and shared experiences.

The Police Cadet position is a temporary, at‑will (contractual), non‑union position of up to three (3) years in duration. Cadets will be full‑time uniformed (excluding a side arm) employees with excellent fringe benefits. The Police Cadet position is designed to provide an opportunity for a person, not yet qualified for a patrol officer position, to acquire the requisite education and experience to become a patrol officer.

Cadets will be actively recruited from graduating high school seniors plus other venues wherein individuals have an expressed interest in a law enforcement career. Cadets will be assigned to “patrol” after completing a two‑week orientation and job shadow experience. This orientation consists of a combination of classroom instruction coupled with work assignments in all critical support areas of the department to include records, service desk, evidence management, property management, investigations, etc.

Once assigned to patrol, Cadets enter the “Cadet Training Program” conducted by a field‑training officer and, after successful completion, assume Cadet Patrol responsibilities. Cadets may be assigned non‑traditional hours or shifts, may be assigned to a 80‑hour biweekly or 84‑hour biweekly schedule, may be required to work holidays and weekends, and may occasionally be required to flex schedules to accommodate presentations, training, etc.

Candidates shall reach the age of 18 by June 1, 2026, have a high school diploma or GED, have good moral standards and character as evidenced by a thorough investigation and evaluation, and meet minimum medical requirements (similar to those of permanent, full‑time patrol officers) within twelve months of appointment as a Police Cadet. Additionally, candidates must successfully pass an oral board interview, a pre‑employment physical exam, drug screen, employment/background check.

All City positions require: the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language as necessary for their position; the ability to follow written and oral instructions; and the ability to get along with other employees and members of the public. City employees are also expected to possess and maintain a record of orderly law‑abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity, and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the City;

and must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of their position without excessive absences. Cadets must also possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Upon passing all pre‑employment requirements, Cadets must then be able to successfully complete (2.5 grade point average or better) an approved course of college study at the Department’s expense. Course work shall consist of at least six (6) credits per fall and spring semester and at least three (3) credits per summer session. Attendance on duty will generally not be allowed unless extenuating and/or emergency circumstances exist to meet job requirements.

Upon successful completion of the Cadet Program, as well as a minimum of sixty (60) hours of college course work (credits from an MCOLES approved police academy can be utilized) or an Associate of Arts degree, the Cadet will be given preference for Patrol Officer hiring; however, this still assumes that they pass all applicable pre‑employment tests.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the…