The Glastonbury Police Cadet program is an official program of the Glastonbury Police Department and operates in collaboration with the North East Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association (NERLEEA). The program is designed to expose young men and women (ages 14-21) within the Glastonbury community to the vast responsibilities in law enforcement today. Many program alumni have continued to successfully achieve positions in local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

Police cadets will learn in both the classroom and actual hands-on field experience to prepare them for a future career in law enforcement. The program also aims to develop, mentor, and promote leadership, personal growth, physical fitness, and social responsibility. Regular weekly meeting presentations including training from sworn police officers on law enforcement duties, tactics, criminal and procedural law, forensic science, self-defense, and investigation techniques.

Police cadets will have a rank structure and while they are not sworn police officers and are not employed by the Town of Glastonbury, they will organize as a unit within the police department under the command of sworn police post advisors. Cadets will assist officers in various community events and may participate in the department ride along program. Police cadets will also participate in regional training and competition events with other police cadet posts to include a week-long Cadet Police Academy.

The program places a heavy emphasis on comradery, discipline, accountability and responsibility. Cadets' participation in the program is voluntary and a privilege granted to them as outstanding young members of the community. Continued enrollment within the post is contingent on the individual cadet’s attendance and participation in all post meetings and functions as well as appropriate conduct throughout. Police cadets are representatives of the Glastonbury Police Department and as such, have a responsibility to uphold the standards of agency.

Those interested in joining the program should carefully read and follow the guidelines and procedures outlined below. Questions and completed applications should be directed to GlastonburyPoliceCadets@gmail.com.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

To be eligible for appointment to the position of police cadet and continued participation within the post, youths must adhere to the following qualifications.

Candidates MUST be/have:

1. Between the ages of 14 and 21 years old. Police cadets will “age out” of the program on their 21st birthday. An exception can be made for a candidate who is 13 years of age and would like to be a member of the post. Only an advisor can make an exception in this case.
2. A Glastonbury resident or resident of a neighboring town with no established police cadet post.
3. Completed the 8th grade. (An exception to this may be made in line with the above age exception.)
4. NOT have a criminal record.
5. Maintained a passing average of a “C” or better and provide proof of such during initial application and upon request of an advisor along with proper conduct in the school they are attending.
6. Of good moral character.
7. Able to accept authority and be able to follow instructions that are given to them by their ranked peers and advisors.
8. Able to conduct themselves in a professional and acceptable manner while representing the post and the Glastonbury Police Department.
9. Submit all required paperwork prior to being allowed to officially join the program.

NEW MEMBER ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURE

All prospective new cadet candidates must comply with the following procedure:

1. Complete the Glastonbury Police Cadet Application Form which is to be signed by the youth and their parent/guardian attesting to its accuracy. The application must include:
   • A letter stating his/her reasons for wanting to become a police Cadet, a description of their general character, and what they believe they can gain and contribute to the post.
   • An unaltered copy of their most recent report card.
2. Complete a background check and a school attendance and academic review. The background check may include, but is not limited to, interviews with family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, school administrators, employers, police officers, and current or exiting post members.
3. Candidates must attend three (3) consecutive meetings, to determine their degree of interest in the program.
4. One or more advisors will interview new candidates. When reporting for the interview, candidates must be on time, dressed neatly, and, if under age 18, be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For additional information on the North East Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association (NERLEEA) visit: www.nerleea.org.

Program Contact

Sgt. Brian Barao
GPD Cadet Program Coordinator
Brian.barao@glastonbury-ct.gov
(860) 652.4282

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