POLICE CADET

Position Information

The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is seeking Police Cadets for the inaugural launch of ACPD's Cadet Program. This is a program designed to allow currently enrolled college students the opportunity to explore various fields and aspects in Law Enforcement while attending school. Under instructional supervision, Police Cadets will participate in on-the-job training activities and perform administrative duties such as community policing, traffic control and enforcement, crime prevention, communications, and crime scene investigations. This position is separate from a Police Officer, in which a Police Officer is a sworn position with full law enforcement authority and responsibilities whereas a Cadet is a civilian, temporary position that performs administrative functions and receives an introduction to a law enforcement career through practical experience.

Specific Duties Include

• Assisting in inventory management and the handling of seized/stolen property, which will be used as evidence in court;
• Providing support for special events, programs, and projects including, but not limited to, assisting with pedestrian control, setting up checkpoints, and deploying various equipment;
• Participating in ride-alongs with Police Officers and assisting with non-hazardous Police Department services throughout the County;
• Providing routine information to the public and staff either via telephone, face-to-face, or email;
• Participating in weekly physical fitness programs;
• Attending quarterly training sessions in the areas of Communications, Basic Criminal Law, First Aid, and Field Operations;
• Assisting in collecting information and preparing statistical data reports; and
• Entering and retrieving data/information in various Police Department systems.
  
  

The ideal candidate will be inquisitive in nature, a citizen of upstanding character, and have a strong desire to explore a potential career within Law Enforcement.

Selection Criteria
Minimum

• Completion of the requirements for graduation from a standard senior high school or vocational school, a GED certificate, or the equivalent;
• By time of hire, enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing the completion of at least 60 college credit hours; and
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher while enrolled in at least 9 college credits or equivalent hours per semester.
  
  

Desirable

• Some experience working with computers and operating systems typically utilized in an office setting; and/or
• Some experience working within an office setting with standard practices and procedures.
  
  

Special Requirements
Driver's License: The applicant must possess, have the ability to possess, or be able to obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. A pre-hire federal background check and State of Virginia Central Registry check will also be completed before hire.

General: To be considered for the Cadet program you must also:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be a US Citizen;
• Be a non-tobacco user;
• Have no Felony convictions or serious misdemeanors; and
• Marijuana: No use from the date of application, regardless of location of use (where it may be legal including states/countries)
  
  

Police Cadets that meet the following requirements may apply to become an Arlington County Police Officer Recruit:

• Be at least 20.5 years of age;
• Completed at least two college semesters as a Police Cadet;
• Completed a minimum of 30 college credits; and
• Receive a positive recommendation from the Cadet Coordinator.
  
  

Additional Information
The pay ranges listed above are effective July 1, 2024.

Work Hours: Work schedule is dependent on class schedule and will be determined at time of hire. Work is performed as part of 24/7 operation and the worker must be able to work shifts, including after-hours and during emergency situations as necessary. Cadets may work a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Physical Requirements: Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. A cover letter will also be required to be attached to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The official title for this position is Police Cadet (Intern).

All Police Cadets are eligible for certain County government employee benefits that include earning sick leave and commuter transportation subsidies.

Tuition Support: Police Cadets are also eligible for tuition support through Arlington County’s Police Department, whereas up to 9 college credit hours will be paid for each semester, up to 6 semesters total, at the cost-rate equivalent to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) - Virginia Resident: ($190.11 per credit hour) (F2023-Su2024)

*Tuition support benefit will become active starting Jan.2024*

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

NOTE: This position is listed as "open continuous". Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed, and qualified applicants referred on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.

The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email [email protected].