Young Adult Law Enforcement Training
The program is an educational program for young adults between the ages of 14-21 with an interest in law enforcement.
Who We Are
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
What You'll Learn as a Cadet
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
Requirements for Membership
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
Apply for the Cadet Post Program
Submit a completed Cadet application
Initial Cadet applications are screened for suitability based on a variety of factors. Approval of the application moves prospective Cadets on to the oral board.
Oral Board
The oral board is an interview in front of a panel consisting of at least two advisors and one sergeant. Applicants will answer a variety of questions, and discuss various scenarios relating to the Cadet Post. The board may or may not recommend that the applicant move on to the background investigation.
Background Investigation
Applicants must have a good driving record and no significant criminal history. A curfew or Minor in Possession ticket would not prevent an applicant from joining, however any misdemeanors or higher would be an automatic disqualification.
Staff Review
All applicants will be subject to approval by the Cadet Post advisors.