Naperville Police Cadet Program

A group of uniformed police cadets stand under a tree in front of the Naperville Police DepartmentThe Naperville Police Cadet Program introduces young men and women to the opportunities available to them by pursuing a career in law enforcement. Young adults are offered an overview of the criminal justice system through training, practical experience and other activities while learning and following guidelines set forth by the City of Naperville and the Naperville Police Department. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.

Participants in the Naperville Police Cadet Program meet at the Naperville Police Department twice a month in addition to assisting the department by volunteering to help with security and traffic control at various community events throughout the year.

A cadet hands information to a resident from behind a table at the public safety open houseQualifications: Cadet applicants must be at least 14 years of age, graduated from the eighth grade, and may not exceed 21 years of age. Applicants must complete the official Naperville Police Cadet Application for Membership in order to be considered. Applicants must also have a consistent grade point average of a “C” or better at the school they attend. An applicant must be free of arrests and convictions that could be considered serious in the eyes of the public.

A large group of cadets poses for a photo in NPD's defensive tactics roomCadet Selection Process: Upon receiving a completed application, an application committee will conduct a background check and contact the applicant’s references. All applicant background checks will be conducted only by a sworn police officer in order to maintain accordance with the Juvenile Protection Act. The application committee will also conduct an oral interview with each applicant to learn about the applicant’s background and to gain further information to answers given on the written application.

Several cadets volunteering at a community event pose in front of NPD's armored vehicleAcceptance into the Cadet Program: Upon acceptance into the NPD Cadet Program as a probationary cadet, the following forms will be issued and must be completed and submitted upon arrival of their first meeting/training:

  • Hold-Harmless Agreement
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Medical Release Waiver
  • Media-Publicity Waiver

For additional information email NPDCadets@naperville.il.us.

The Naperville Police Cadet application can be downloaded by clicking here. Completed applications should be turned in at the Police Department's front desk located at 1350 Aurora Ave., Naperville, IL 60540.

Several cadets at a special event stand shoulder-to-shoulder to pose for a photo

Police cadets lift a mascot off the ground at a special event