SPD volunteer programs for young people renamed and refreshed
SPD volunteer programs for young people renamed and refreshed
Jerry Swanson, SPD Public Information Assistant, no phone number available
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 10:54 am
The Spokane Police Cooperative Education Program (Coop), in existence since 1988, is now called the Police Cadet Program. The name change reflects a shift in program requirements and structure, however many vestiges of the cooperative program remain. The Cadet program is designed for youth ages 19-24 who wish to learn about the law enforcement profession through hands-on experience. Unlike the previous co-op program, being enrolled in college is no longer required to become a cadet. This change was made to ensure the program was not short of qualified and motivated individuals with a desire to delve into the law enforcement realm. The program is still tailored to students; The timetable is flexible and designed to accommodate the timetable/work schedule and participants can earn school credits through the Cadet program.
Cadet applicants go through a selection and background process. Once selected, they undergo training designed to equip them for duties such as working group events, assisting at crime scenes, completing police reports, and eventually riding with patrol officers.
The SPD’s discovery program retains its title, but the discovery age is now 15 to 18 years. These high school-age youth commit to volunteering 16 hours a month, attend training courses and an Explorer Academy, and achieve a 2.5 grade point average. Explorers perform similar duties to cadets, gaining more opportunities and responsibilities as they gain experience.
Both programs are part of the Boy Scouts of America – Learning for Life Program. The Explorer/Cadet programs provide wonderful opportunities for young people to experience firsthand what it is like to be a police officer and what it takes to serve their community. Many of the SPD’s current officials are former Explorer and Co-op members. SPD is currently accepting new applicants for the Explorer and Cadet programs. One of the primary goals of the Spokane Police Department is to work collaboratively with the community we serve. There are many ways to get in touch with the Spokane Police Department. Opportunities include: volunteering as a Reserve Police Officer, Police Cadet, Police Researcher or Citizen Volunteer.
This video demonstrates the type of training and experiences that are part of the Explorer/Cadet programs. That day, students at the NEWtech Skills Center in Spokane spent some time at the police academy learning about the programs. A handful of them applied and were accepted as explorers!