Police Cadet (Intern)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is seeking motivated individuals enrolled in an accredited college or university who are eager to explore various fields and aspects in Law Enforcement. Police Cadets will gain hands-on experience and mentorship as they explore various divisions within the Police Department, including participating in patrol ride-alongs within the Operations Division, community policing, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, communications, and crime scene investigations. The ACPD Cadet participant is a civilian employee who gains practical experience and an introduction to a law enforcement career.

Selection Criteria

Minimum: 

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent;
• Enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing the completion of at least 60 college credit hours; and
• Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher and a 2.0 semester GPA or higher while enrolled in at least 9 credits or equivalent hours per semester.

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, as it may be legal in other states/countries.

Special Requirements

Application Requirements: Each section of the application must be completed and include the following attachments:

• Resume;
• Cover letter;
• 2 professional recommendations (including, but not limited to: athletic coach/professor/former employer), please include their full name, email address, and phone number. This information may be attached separately or as part of your resume; and
• 2 personal references (including, but not limited to: former coworker/family friend/academic advisor), please include their full name, email address, and phone number. This information may be attached separately or as part of your resume.

Driver’s License: The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite. If the applicant possesses or acquires a license, the applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district 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.

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.

Written Examination: Before completing your first year in the Cadet Program, you will be encouraged to take a Police Entrance Exam. You will receive specific instructions by e-mail about how to schedule yourself for a written examination.
 

Additional Information

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, in-person. A reliable means of transportation to Arlington County to perform job related duties is required! Cadets may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic semester.

Selection Process: There is a multi-stage selection process to determine applicant eligibility to become an Arlington County Police Cadet. A candidate must pass each stage of the selection process to be considered eligible for hire. These stages include:

• Screening for minimum qualifications;
• Character/background investigation;
• Panel interview;
• Polygraph examination;
• Drug testing; and
• Medical examination.

Pathway from Police Cadet to Arlington County Police Recruit:

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

Applicants may be asked to provide certified official transcripts.

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. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

All Cadets are eligible for County government employee benefits that include competitive pay, accrued sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies/parking, as well as tuition reimbursement.

Tuition Reimbursement: 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 4 semesters total, at the cost-rate equivalent to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) – Virginia Resident. 

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

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