About the Post
The Fairfield Police Cadet Program is an official program of the Fairfield Police Department, associated with the North East Regional Law Enforcement Association (NERLEEA) to expose young men and women (ages 13-21) to the vast career choices available in Law Enforcement today. Many of our alumni have continued to successfully achieve positions in local Law Enforcement, State Police Departments, Federal Law Enforcement agencies, as well as many other positions in public service throughout the country. You can see a complete list of Fairfield Police Cadet Program Alumni here.
Cadets learn in both the classroom and field environment, including actual "hands-on" field experience. Weekly meeting presentations including training on police duties, Forensic Science, Self Defense, k9 Demonstrations, Communication, Courtroom procedure, Investigation, Report Writing, Ethics, Firearm Safety, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Crisis Negotiation, Governmental Law, Emergency Management, Interview/Oral Board, Resume/Cover Letter writing, Building Searches, and more!
Check out the history page to learn more about our program's past!
Cadets learn in both the classroom and field environment, including actual "hands-on" field experience. Weekly meeting presentations including training on police duties, Forensic Science, Self Defense, k9 Demonstrations, Communication, Courtroom procedure, Investigation, Report Writing, Ethics, Firearm Safety, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Crisis Negotiation, Governmental Law, Emergency Management, Interview/Oral Board, Resume/Cover Letter writing, Building Searches, and more!
Check out the history page to learn more about our program's past!
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Community Service Hours
All events and meetings are considered community service hours, which can be counted toward high school transcripts. Many high schools have community service hour requirements. By attending weekly meetings, events and competitions, Cadets usually exceed any requirements. This is a benefit not only to the Fairfield Community, but also for an cadet's resume for college, trade school, or future career. |
What Do Cadets Do?
- Meetings - Cadets attend weekly meetings and learn about different topics in law enforcement. This could consist of an interactive lecture, demonstration, or live scenarios that the Cadets participate in.
- Events - Cadets will be called upon to help the town of Fairfield as well as other municipalities in events, such as the Memorial Day Parade, the Easton Carnival, or Independence Day Fireworks. We use these events as a way for the cadets to interact with the community and build their communication skills.
- Ride Alongs - Members are allowed to ride with patrol officers and respond to police calls, and participate in the normal routines of community policing. Cadets learn and use proper radio operating procedures, and assist in writing police logs and reports. Youth members may also assist officers in a variety of situations including directing traffic at accident scenes and routine investigations.
NERLEEA Competitions and Events
There are two major competitions that Cadets can participate in throughout the year to compete against other Cadet Posts throughout the tri-state area.
There are two major competitions that Cadets can participate in throughout the year to compete against other Cadet Posts throughout the tri-state area.
- Stations Day is a competition geared toward the every day aspects of law enforcement i.e. motor vehicle stops, building searches, suspicious persons. Cadets will spend the day at the CT State Police Academy where they will participate in several scenarios and be graded on their performance.
- S.W.A.T. Challenge - is a competition traditionally held at the Fairfield Fire Training Center, where Cadets spend the day competing in S.W.A.T. Style scenarios.
- Cadet Police Academy - The CPA is a week long camp that takes place on a college campus. Cadets stay on campus and go through different levels of hands on education based on their age and experience. There are 6 different programs that can be attended. For more information on the CPA, click here.
- Investigations/Emergency Disasters - As highly trained civilians, Cadets may be called upon to assist in evidence recover investigations or the policing of emergency disaster scenes. Cadets will only be utilized if the situation is safe.
Questions and Answers
When Are Meetings?
The Fairfield Police Cadets meet every Monday night at 7:00pm to about 8:30pm at the Fairfield Police Department, 100 Reef Road CT. Meetings consist of uniform inspections, training, discussions, and planning the many projects and events on the Cadets busy activities calendar. Sometimes meetings run late to put items away or to debrief the training. Ranking cadets are expected to ensure equipment and meeting reports are completed before leaving. Meetings are not conducted if Fairfield Public Schools are closed for weather.
Please check the calendar section for up-to-date meeting and event information.
The Fairfield Police Cadets meet every Monday night at 7:00pm to about 8:30pm at the Fairfield Police Department, 100 Reef Road CT. Meetings consist of uniform inspections, training, discussions, and planning the many projects and events on the Cadets busy activities calendar. Sometimes meetings run late to put items away or to debrief the training. Ranking cadets are expected to ensure equipment and meeting reports are completed before leaving. Meetings are not conducted if Fairfield Public Schools are closed for weather.
Please check the calendar section for up-to-date meeting and event information.
Can Girls Join?
Absolutely! Young women have always been a part of the Fairfield Police Cadet Program and share equal responsibilities in the program. Three of the Fairfield Police Advisors are female police officers as well.
Absolutely! Young women have always been a part of the Fairfield Police Cadet Program and share equal responsibilities in the program. Three of the Fairfield Police Advisors are female police officers as well.
Who are the Advisors?
The advisors are police officers, civilian volunteers, and employees of the Fairfield Police Department. Advisor Training is provided by the North East Regional Law Enforcement Education Association. You can find out more about Fairfield's Advisors here.
The advisors are police officers, civilian volunteers, and employees of the Fairfield Police Department. Advisor Training is provided by the North East Regional Law Enforcement Education Association. You can find out more about Fairfield's Advisors here.
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Is it all Work?
The social aspect of the Cadet program is as important to us as the professional services we provide. Cadets may participate in a wide variety of trips and activities through out the year including ski trips, camping trips, and many other social events. Additionally, at the yearly Police Cadet Academy and NERLEEA sponsored competitions, cadets are ensured opportunities to meet and build friendships with members of other posts throughout the tri-state area. |
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What are the leadership positions?
The Fairfield Cadet Post is a youth-run program, which means the day to day supervision is conducted by the cadets themselves. The rank structure of the program is outlined here. When there is an opening, or if the advisors see a need for a change in the rank structure, eligible cadets will go through a rigorous promotional process that mimics the hiring process for law enforcement. Cadets will be provided classes on resume and cover letter writing, interview etiquette, and more.
The Fairfield Cadet Post is a youth-run program, which means the day to day supervision is conducted by the cadets themselves. The rank structure of the program is outlined here. When there is an opening, or if the advisors see a need for a change in the rank structure, eligible cadets will go through a rigorous promotional process that mimics the hiring process for law enforcement. Cadets will be provided classes on resume and cover letter writing, interview etiquette, and more.
What Does it Cost?
There is a $100 rental fee for Cadet uniforms. Cadets are also expected to purchase navy blue BDU-style pants and publishable black boots.
For additional events, competitions, and summer camp fees, our many sponsors take care of most costs associated with being a member of Post 279. This includes, most additional uniform costs and travel expenses for state and national conferences and events. Some Cadets opt to purchase additional equipment such as flashlights and other gear.
Is this Program About Recruiting Police Officers?
Not at all! Many members go on to rewarding careers in Law Enforcement. However, many alumni pursue other career interests. Police Cadets are given a real-life, behind-the-scenes, look at Law Enforcement so that they may make an informed decision later on in life.
There is a $100 rental fee for Cadet uniforms. Cadets are also expected to purchase navy blue BDU-style pants and publishable black boots.
For additional events, competitions, and summer camp fees, our many sponsors take care of most costs associated with being a member of Post 279. This includes, most additional uniform costs and travel expenses for state and national conferences and events. Some Cadets opt to purchase additional equipment such as flashlights and other gear.
Is this Program About Recruiting Police Officers?
Not at all! Many members go on to rewarding careers in Law Enforcement. However, many alumni pursue other career interests. Police Cadets are given a real-life, behind-the-scenes, look at Law Enforcement so that they may make an informed decision later on in life.
Interested in becoming a Police Cadet?
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Requirements:
-Must be between the ages of 13 and 21. -Must be in good academic standing with your school, maintaining at least a "C" average. -Must be free of any criminal record. |
How to Join:
-Attend 3 consecutive meetings then - -After your third meeting, submit an application for membership -Successfully complete a background investigation. |