The Police Cadet Program is designed to provide college students with the opportunity to work in the public safety field while attending school. The position provides on-the-job training for students desiring careers in law enforcement. Cadets obtain valuable work experience through training sessions, administrative assignments, ride-alongs with police officers and detectives, and other related tasks. Some use their employment with the department to get units for internships through their colleges or universities.

The Cadet Program is open to currently-enrolled college students who possess a high school diploma and a valid California driver license. Applicants must complete a City of El Cerrito application and pass a pre-selection interview, and successfully pass a background investigation, including a polygraph exam and fingerprinting.

The ECPD has up to 5 Cadet positions. Some of our prior Cadets have gone on to become full time El Cerrito PD officers and employees. Others have become police officers for other cities, members of the armed forces, and one became a probation officer.

Applications can be obtained online or from the Employee Services Department.

For More Information

Contact Lt. Wahrlich at 510-215-4424.