LAPD NEWS RELEASE

The LAPD Youth Cadet Program is restarting on Sept. 23, 2026! The program is open to high school students, freshmen, through seniors. Meetings will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month, September through April. Youth Cadets will have the opportunity to learn about:

 De-escalation
 Laws and their application
 Public safety interactions
 Public speaking
 Public safety history
 Public safety career opportunities

The Youth Cadet Program is designed to provide young adults interested in public safety with real-world career experiences and opportunities to develop leadership skills. Through engaging instruction, character-based leadership, and career-focused activities, the program is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to reach their full potential.

Program Highlights
Participants will have opportunities to take part in:

 Virtual reality training
 Criminal and traffic investigations
 Mock trials
 Public safety models in the United States
 Professional development
 Community outreach and engagement
 Building social and professional relationships

The program is limited to 30 participants for the 2026-2027 school year.

To apply, visit LACNM.COM/CADET to download the application and complete the survey.

Please submit completed materials to: Sgt. Joseph Dezendorf

police-youthcadets@lacnm.us

We look forward to welcoming our next group of Youth Cadets and giving them an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore a future in public safety.