The St. Louis Police Cadet Program was formed with the input and funding from the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis Police Foundation. The Police Cadet Program provides needed support and a clear pathway for those who are passionate about our city and are interested in a career in law enforcement. The goal of the program is to provide interested individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 ½ with paid, on the job training and exposure to various units within the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Cadets have the opportunity to earn course credit while also establishing a foundation to be successful and well-prepared upon entering the St. Louis Police Academy once turning 20 ½.

Highlights of the St. Louis Police Cadet Program:

• The St. Louis Police Cadet Program was reestablished in July 2018.
• Police Cadets receive training and exposure to various police department units, which is a key component of the program.
• Police Cadets are exposed to what police recruits and police officers experience daily.
• Police Cadets receive on the job training paid at a rate of $13 to $15/hour and can receive course credit.
• Police Cadet uniforms, training expenses, mentoring, and more are provided at no expense.

Requirements for Applying to the St. Louis Police Cadet Program:
Applicants must:

• be enrolled in their senior year of high school, received a high school diploma, or equivalent.
• be between 18 and 20 ½ years of age
• no felony convictions
• have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement

Application Process:
Submit your completed application to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Recruiting Office,                 located at 1915 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103

The completed application should be typed or neatly written. It must include the following:

• A cover letter addressed to the Police Commissioner detailing:
• 1. Why you are interested in the Cadet Program.
• 2. A few sentences about you.
• 3. Bullet points indicating that you meet each of the minimum requirement to be a police cadet.
• Resume (education and work history).
• High school or college transcript or copy of GED.

Application and documents can be submitted in the following ways:

• In person to the St. Louis Police Department Recruiting Office, (1915 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63103) Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm
• By US mail to St. Louis Police Department Cadet Program, 1915 Olive St. Louis, MO 63103
• By email to cadetprogram@slmpd.org