Police Junior Cadets

The Police Junior Cadet Program is dedicated to preparing young adults, ages 14-20, for careers and leadership in public safety. This program has replaced the previous Police Explorer program. The program is similar to the Police Explorer program, however, it is not affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. 

The Junior Cadets Program is designed to enable young men and women to gain practical knowledge of and hands-on experience in the career of law enforcement. This knowledge and experience is obtained through activities, which are centered on law enforcement. Along with these activities comes the ability for the member to grow and mature in a positive and caring environment.

The member will work with adults and youths and, in turn, be able to take on leadership roles that will enable them to fulfill their responsibilities in the community.

Members assist the Wake Forest Police Department with various community events and are allowed the privilege to ride with officers of the patrol division during their shifts. Members are issued a standard uniform that must be worn to all meetings and special events.

Application Period Closed

The application period will open in early January of 2025 and it will be on a first come first serve basis.  Please continue to check the website for more information.

Meeting Schedule

Wake Forest Police Junior Cadets meet at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Police Headquarters, 745 Merritt Capital Dr., Suite 113.

What is a Wake Forest Police Junior Cadet?

A Wake Forest Police Junior Cadet is a person between the ages of 14 (who have completed the 8th grade) and 20 who are interested in the field of law enforcement. Junior Cadets participate in meetings, training sessions, ride-alongs with experienced police officers, and other activities as part of the learning process. Leadership positions are obtained through elections and the completion of certain training requirements.

Training

Aside from the regular meetings, Junior Cadet training consists of the following activities and more:

• Basic first aid (including CPR)

• Department radio procedures

• Handcuffing

• Accident investigation

• Fingerprinting

• Crime scene analysis
  
  

What You Can Expect as a Wake Forest Police Junior Cadet

You can expect to have fun, learn a lot about the field of law enforcement, and meet some really great people who are interested in helping you learn more about the career field of law enforcement!

Community Events

Junior Cadets offer assistance to the community through their involvement in the following events:

• Meet in the Street

• Shop with a Cop

• Fourth of July Celebration
  
  

Membership Requirements

• Must be 15 to 20 years of age, or be 14 years old and have completed the eighth grade.

• Have and maintain a "C" average in required school classes (i.e. math, English, social studies, etc.).

• If not a high school graduate, be enrolled in and attend school (either public, private, or home-school).

• Have not been charged with or convicted of any felony.

• Have not been charged with or convicted of any serious misdemeanor.

• Members must conduct themselves in a manner which will reflect favorably upon the post at all times and no member shall conduct themselves in a manner which is unbecoming to their position as a Junior Cadet.

• All members shall maintain a neat, clean, well-groomed and professional appearance at all times.

• Hair shall be neatly trimmed and arranged.

• Mustaches may be worn, but they may not extend beyond the corner of the mouth or below the upper lip.

• Beards shall not be worn without the express written permission of the Organizational Head.

• Sideburns shall be neatly trimmed, rectangular in shape, and shall not extend past the earlobe.

• No member shall dye (color) or wear their hair in any fashion that draws undue attention to themselves and could tend to cause embarrassment to the post.

• Male members are prohibited from wearing earrings. Female members may wear one pair of stud design earrings.

• Profanity will not be tolerated.

• Members will treat everyone with respect and will refer to adults by their rank or by Mr. or Mrs. They will also extend respect to other members or visitors (i.e. "Please," "Thank you," You're welcome," etc.).