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TextPolice Cadet
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 20 and are interested in becoming a police officer, the Fairfax County Police Department’s Police Cadet program is for you!
*The job announcement for Police Cadet closed on January 28, 2011. It will re-open on a future date that has not yet been determined.*
- What does a Police Cadet do?
- What does it take to be a Police Cadet?
- Are cadets paid?
- Are there any special requirements?
- What about college?
- How do I apply?
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What are the elements of the application process and how long does each step take?
What does a Police Cadet do?
The duties vary widely and no two days are alike. Assignments may be in one or more of the following police programs:
- Police patrol (assigned to a police district station)
- Property room
- Criminal investigations
- Crime scene investigation section
- Central records
- Operations support bureau (traffic, special operations, helicopter)
- Criminal Justice Academy
- Public Information Office
What does it take to be a Police Cadet?
- Must apply and be scheduled to take the written exam within 120 days of your 18th birthday
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien with an application for naturalization filed and pending with the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services
- Uncorrected vision no worse than 4.0 diopters (approximately 20/200), provided you have had at least three months of success wearing soft contact lenses. Without soft contact lens, uncorrected vision cannot be worse than 20/100. Prior to receiving medical classification, recipients of LASIK surgery and Radial Keratotomy are subject to minimum waiting periods of three months and six months, respectively. All vision must be corrected to 20/20. Color blindness may be corrected by soft contacts
- Must be between 18 and 20 years of age at date of appointment. Applicants may apply and be scheduled to take a written exam if they are within 120 days of their 18th birthday
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a valid G.E.D. certificate recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Possess, or can acquire, a valid operator’s license
- Illegal drug use will be scrutinized with respect to recent use, type of drug and frequency of use
- Have never committed, been involved in or convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanor
- Be of good character and reputation
- Have the ability to perform essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation
- If under age 18, applicants will need parental consent to participate in some phases of the application and screening process
Are cadets paid?
- The 2009 salary range for a police cadet is $25,481.87- 42,469.65
- All uniforms and equipment provided by Department
- For more information on benefits, see the Employee Benefit Summary.
What about college?
- Cadets pursuing a college education may be eligible for tuition reimbursement if the program is funded within the Department's budget.
What are the elements of the application process and how long does each step take?
- Written exam – 2.5 hours
- Initial interview – ½ hour
- Polygraph – 3 hours
- Psychological exam – 8 hours
- Physical abilities test – 2 hours
- Background interview – 4 hours
- Entire background investigation – 8-12 weeks
Are there any special requirements?
Subsequent to a conditional job offer, applicants must:
- Pass a comprehensive medical exam, including drug testing and vision standard.
- Incumbents shall not use any tobacco products on and off duty starting at the time of appointment. The incumbent must be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products both on and off duty.
How do I apply?
- Download an Application for Employment. *The job announcement for Police Cadet closed on January 28, 2011. It will re-open on a future date that has not yet been determined.*
For more information contact:
- Personnel Resources Division- 703-246-7560
Fairfax County Police Department is an EEO employer committed to non-discrimination and to diversity in the workplace. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call the Personnel Resources Division at 703-246-7560, or e-mail the Director of Recruiting and Testing at Dwight.Bower@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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