Police Cadets

Police Cadets are paid, non-sworn, student employees who have an interest in law enforcement or who want to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program allows students to get invaluable hands-on experience in law enforcement while still pursuing their educational goals. 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.  Cadets 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 prevent escalation.

Police Cadets are paid $19.00 per hour.  Shifts are Thursdays (7pm – 3am) and Friday & Saturday nights (8pm-4am).  Cadets are expected to work at least two shifts per week. 

You must complete an application in order to be considered for selection, to request more information please contact Lt Mike Malouin (mmalouin@umass.edu).

 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Open to any college students

  • Must stay enrolled as a student (6 credits) during his or her employment in the Cadet Program

  • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better

  • Pass a physical examination and an academic test

 

Selection Process:

  • 3 Person panel interviews are held in the spring of each year for the next academic year

  • Successfully complete a thorough background investigation.

  • Must successfully complete the in-house Cadet Academy (see below for details)

  • Applicants will be removed from the process should they fail any stage.

 

About the Training Program

The training program consists of 100 hours, as part of this recruits must participate in a 50 hour live-in “Cadet Academy” during the end of August each year. During this time they receive instruction on criminal law, de-escalation techniques, UMPD procedures to comply with accreditation standards, defensive tactics, communication techniques, physical fitness, and more.  Those who are unable to complete all aspects of the training will not continue in the Cadet Program. 

 

Pathways of Police Cadet Graduates

Since the program's beginning in 2003, more than 160 young men and women have participated in the UMPD Police Cadet program. Many have used the experience they gained as a launching point to a career in law enforcement.

Police Cadet Graduates are employed at police departments in Amherst, Ashland, Belchertown, Bernardston, Easthampton, Longmeadow, Northampton, Northfield, Monson, Palmer, Pittsfield, Ware, Framingham State University, Freeport ME, Las Vegas NV, West Hartford CT, as well as the Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut State Police Departments. UMPD currently employs three former police cadets. 

Fitness Requirements

Police Cadets are expected to maintain a high fitness level to meet the program standard. The fitness test are based off of 50th percentile numbers, using the Cooper Model for each physical ability tested.  The minimum fitness standards you will be expected to meet for the academy are:

CONTACT

UMPD
585 East Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003-9600

umpd@admin.umass.edu
413-545-2121 non-emergency
413-545-3111 emergency or 911
413-545-3113 fax

Tips

Call 413-577-TIPS (8477) or use our Anonymous Witness Form.