Syracuse Police Cadet Program

The City of Syracuse proposes to continue the funding for the Syracuse Police Department Cadet Recruitment Program. The primary purpose of the program is to act as a bridge between graduating high school and becoming a police officer. The program is geared towards individuals between the ages of 17 and 34, providing paid training in both classroom and on the job settings as well as physical fitness conditioning. The Program aims to assist the participants in gaining the necessary knowledge and physical condition to pass the required tests to become a Syracuse Police Officer. The Program is necessary to keep recent high school graduates engaged until they reach the required age of 19.5 yrs. to take the Civil Service Exam (CSE) as well as attract other individuals with an interest and aptitude towards police work. Bridging the gap between graduation and Civil Service eligibility is necessary as potential candidates: may lose interest due during the time between graduation and the CSE, economic necessity to find other immediate employment, diminished physical conditioning, and the loss of interest due to the lack of continued contact with the Law Enforcement Community. The Program will provide the candidates with classroom and physical training along with real life work experience, with both internal SPD operations and ride along opportunities with seasoned Syracuse Police trainers. While being paid for their training the Candidates will be monitored by the Academy Staff for attendance and participation as well as classroom and physical performance. Individual mentoring of the Candidates will also be incorporated to enhance Candidate retention and provide both positive and critical feedback. Expected outcomes include the completion of the Cadet Program, passing of the Civil Service Exam, eligibility to take the Syracuse police Academy entrance exam, acceptance into the Syracuse Police Academy and eventually becoming a Syracuse Police Officer.