Boulder Police Cadet Program

The Boulder Police Department Cadet Program (also known as the Explorer Program) is a non-profit organization that gives young adults the opportunity to experience law enforcement first hand. Cadets train as law enforcement does while learning department organization, patrol functions and municipal and state laws.

Cadets use the skills learned in training to compete against other metro area Cadet/Explorer groups in law-enforcement competitions. This group also assists with Special Olympics events and major events that occur throughout the city such as Bolder Boulder, Iron Man and Creek Festival.

It is free to participate.

Cadets meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to learn law enforcement activities, Other special event dates will vary.

If interested in learning more, please contact our Cadet Advisors below and put "Cadet Inquiry" in the subject line:

• Aaron Brunn at BrunnA@bouldercolorado.gov or at 303-441-4120
• Cassie Davick at DavickC@bouldercolorado.gov or 720-693-4692

Cadet Post No.101 trains in various aspects of law enforcement. Department employees teach cadets training that is similar to Law Enforcement Academy training.

Topics include:

• Traffic control and direction
• Traffic stops
• Arrest control and defensive tactics
• Criminal code/state and municipal laws
• Patrol communication
• Patrol procedures
• Medical aid
• High-risk situations
• Hostage negotiation
• Report writing
• Domestic crisis
• Crime scene investigation
• Firearm safety
• Searches/Warrants
• Physical fitness (all levels/self paced)
• Building searches
• Investigations
• Judicial procedure
• Chain of command
• Experience applying to jobs

Cadets are required to volunteer 8 hours per month to the police department. Cadets are allowed to volunteer their time in different areas including traffic control, various community functions, and events.

Cadets are also given the opportunity to participate in:

• Regional competitions such as the Chandler’s Tactical Competition, conferences and other Law Enforcement Cadet/Explorer Post Advisors Association of Colorado (LEEPAAC)
• Youth Academy
• Night Moves Patrol competition
• Special Olympics volunteer functions
• Boulder Creek Fest
• Polar Plunge
• Bolder Boulder and other various city sporting events

Cadet candidates must:

• Be 14 to 21 years of age
• Currently enrolled in high school or college
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher (If at the beginning GPA requirements are not met we will work with you if you are close and can commit to improving.)
• Have written permission from a parent/guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age
• Successfully pass a background investigation
• Interview
• Be of good moral character

Uniforms provided:

• Cadets will wear a light blue uniform shirt with a cadet patch and BDU pants
• Cadets will neither possess nor wear a badge or live weapon
• Cadets will wear a belt with a holster and other gear
• Cadets are not law enforcement officers and are not POST-certified