If you are interested in becoming a member of the Fairfield Cadet Program, please fill out the Contact Us form below with any questions and an officer will call you with further information.
Requirements to Join
Must be between the ages of 13 - 21.
Must be in good academic standing with your school, maintaining at least a "C" average.
Must be free of any criminal record and have no significant negative police contact.
How to Join
Attend 3 consecutive meetings for free
After your third meeting, submit an application for membership.
Successfully complete a background investigation and interview.
New Cadet Protocol
Prospective Cadets are required to attend and participate in 3 meetings before committing to the Cadet Program. During those meetings, Prospective Cadets can see if the program is something they'd like to be involved in. New members are not required to participate in the hands-on-training if they don't want to, and may opt out of physical activities. Once they join the program and become probationary cadets, they will be expected to participate. We understand not everyone can do 10 push-ups in a row, but so long as you try, you will succeed in the Fairfield Police Cadets!
If after 3rd meeting the Prospective Cadet wants to continue with the program, they must bring the following items to the next meeting: - A printed and signed Application Packet (Please note that by signing the application, it acknowledges that the Prospective Cadet has read the Policy Manual). - The rental fee for the Uniform ($100 Cash or Check) - A pen and notebook - A willingness to learn!
More information is disseminated once the Prospective Cadet attends a meeting and coordinates with a ranking Cadet.
"The police cadet program provided me with life long friends, an amazing professional network of fellow officers throughout the country, and a direction in life that I couldn't find in the classroom."
- Fairfield Police Officer Jenna Wellington, former Police Cadet
Uniforms
Police Cadets attend weekly meetings and events in uniforms. The uniform issued by the Cadet Program includes a polo and t-shirt. These items are rented out to the Cadets for a one time fee of $100, which is the cost of membership in the program. This is accepted by cash or check, made out to the Fairfield Police Cadets. Cadets are also provided with a baseball hat which they keep. The post also provides any necessary equipment for any community service jobs, training, or events.
Cadets are required to purchase Navy Blue BDU style pants and polish-able black boots. There is no particular brand required for the pants, so long as they are navy blue, have belt loops and cargo pockets. The following image is an example of the boot and pants required. In person stores such as New England Uniform do have these available to try on. The links on this page are options available online.
For winter gear, the cadets may purchase a soft-shell jacket (must have velcro patch's on the shoulders) to be worn when on duty. There are many brands to choose from, though the following link appears to have the best reviews and price.
Cadets are expected to bring PT gear with them to all meetings. This includes a t-shirt, shorts (appropriate length), socks, sneakers, and deodorant. This gear will be carried in a draw string bag, which will be provided to the Cadet by the Post.
Cadets are also expected to bring a pen and notebook to each meeting.
If an Cadet has a medical condition that requires them to carry an inhaler or Epipen, that will be considered part of the Cadet's uniform, and they are to have it with them at all meetings and events.
Congratulations on your child making the decision to join the Fairfield Police Cadet Program! We are happy to be a stepping stone in your child's future, as the Cadet/Explorer Program was an integral part of our lives growing up as well.
The Cadet Program is different from other youth organizations you might be familiar with, in the sense that the youths are expected to be self-sufficient and responsible for meetings and events. While we will coordinate with parents/guardians on important matters, the routine meetings and events of the post are up to each Cadet to communicate to you about. Additionally, we hold the Cadet responsible for any tardiness, or lack of communication with ranking Cadets. In other words, they cannot pass the buck to you!
While meetings are scheduled from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, there will be some lessons that go until about 9:00pm. This is dependent on the nature of the class, and if equipment cleanup is required. We thank you for your patience and will try to have Cadets relay the delay in pickup time to you. There are some mandatory service-events that we require all hands on deck for. In the case of a planned family vacation, sickness or other circumstances, we will need the Cadet to provide a note from a parent to excuse them from the event.
If you'd like to keep yourself updated on upcoming meetings and events, our Calendar is open to the public so you can see what we have planned! Additionally, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the meeting activities and photos from events!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to your child's future in this program!
