The Cadet Program provides educational and on-the-job training to qualified, recent graduates of District of Columbia high schools who are interested in becoming police officers with the DC Metropolitan Police Department. In order to qualify as cadets, candidates must meet requirements that are substantially similar to those required of the police officers. Moreover, applicants must pass college-level entrance examinations in English and Math.

• Philosophy
• Eligibility Requirements
• Cadet Education & Training
• Benefits
• More Information

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Cadet Program, candidates must:

• Be a District of Columbia resident
• Be between 17 and 20 years of age by December 31 of the current school year
• Possess a high school diploma or a GED
• Be a United States citizen
• Be of good physical/mental health as determined by such examination as prescribed
• Possess at least 20/100 vision correctable to 20/30
• Must provide a waiver for background screening from parents or guardians if the applicant is under 18 years of age
• Meet the hiring requirements established by the DC Office of Personnel

Successful applicants must:

• Pass a thorough background investigation
• Pass a comprehensive medical evaluation
• Pass an entrance examination by the University of the District of Columbia in English and Math
• Have permission from their parents or guardian to enter the Cadet Program if under the age of 18

Cadet Education & Training

In the two-year program, cadets will:

• Complete an associates degree at the University of the District of Columbia
• Spend part of their time at work in specific job assignments in the day-to-day operations of the Metropolitan Police Department
• Perform rotating assignments among the districts and divisions of the police department
• Report to their mentor at least once a week

Benefits

• Cadets shall be paid a 30-hour part-time salary of approximately $18,500 (DS-6 grade level).
• Uniforms and equipment are furnished at no cost to the cadet, except for belts and shoes.
• Cadets convert to career police status upon completion of the Associate Degree program and enter the recruit training program phase.
• MPDC pays tuition for the University of the District of Columbia associate degree program.
• Cadets receive ten holidays per year.
• Cadets earn annual and sick leave.
• Cadets receive comprehensive health care.
• Cadets earn excellent retirement benefits with time served accruing as DC Government Service, calculated upon completion of 25 years in a police career with the Metropolitan Police Department.