Police Cadets
Since its inception in 2003, more than 160 young men and women have participated in the UMass Police Cadet program. Many have used the experience they gained as a launching point to a career in law enforcement. Former Police Cadets are currently employed in several departments in the region including Amherst, Ashland, Belchertown, Bernardston, Longmeadow, Northampton, Northfield, Monson, Palmer, Pittsfield, Ware, Framingham State University, Freeport ME, Las Vegas NV, West Hartford CT, the Connecticut State Police as well as 8 that are employed by UMPD.
Complementing the UMPD, the Police Cadets provide an additional level of security and further strengthen the UMPD community policing efforts. Assigned primarily in the residential areas, the cadets work very closely with police officers and the Residence Hall security force. They are extensively trained in police techniques, perform foot patrols, parking enforcement, prisoner watch and perform ancillary functions to free officers for other duties. As students, they often see and hear what the police cannot, spotting problems early and alerting police to intervene and preventing escalation.
Candidates for the Police Cadet program must be at least 18 years old at the time of their appointment, be enrolled as college students for the duration of their employment and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better. Once selected, cadets participate in a 50 hour live-in “cadet academy”. During the academy, they’ll receive instruction on many topics including criminal law, UMPD procedures to comply with our accreditation standards, defensive tactics, communication techniques and physical fitness, just to name a few. The program allows students to get invaluable hands-on experience in law enforcement while still pursuing their educational goals.
To apply to the Cadet program or obtain more information, students should contact the Residence Hall Security Manager, Jim Meade at 413-545-3959 or jmeade@admin.umass.edu
