Cadets

Cadet Mission Statement


Our mission is to be an extension of the Palos Park Police Department which provides assistance to the residents of Palos Park. The program upholds the principles of community policing to help strengthen the bond between the police department and it’s citizens, while maintaining the values of integrity, high moral standards, and team work.

About the Program


The Palos Park Police Cadet Program was created by Chief Joe Miller in 1999 under Police Commissioner Carolyn Baca. The purpose was to involve teenagers in the police department and to let them observe the workings of a law enforcement agency. As time went on, and as the number of members grew, the cadet program’s duties have also grown.
Cadet Seal
The Cadet Program was designed to introduce young men and woman interested in a career of law enforcement a better understanding of the goals and functionality of a working police department. The program also helps strengthen the idea of team work as well as the fundamental values of integrity, high moral character, and honesty. These like skills our not only important to become a successful police officer, but are pillars that can be used throughout life beyond the realm of law enforcement.

Cadets perform many functions such as being actively involved in “Your Not Alone”, a program which requires checking the well being of the village’s residents, traffic control for major events or in assistance for police officers, as well as promoting awareness to inclement weather.

The Cadet program also provided basic law enforcement training and experience through the means of mentoring, hands on skill training, and class room work. The training includes but is not limited to:
  • Accident Investigations
  • CPR and First Aid
  • Crime Scene Search
  • Crowd and Traffic Control
  • Department Rules and Regulations
  • Ethics and Moral Issues
  • Field searches
  • IL Crime Code
  • IL Criminal Justice System
  • IL Motor Vehicle Code
  • Patrol Procedures
  • Police history
  • Report Writing and Note taking
  • Search and Seizure
  • Use of Force
2015 Cadets

Download the Application


Application to join the Cadet program can be downloaded from the link below. Please fill out completely and return it to the Palos Park Police Department, 8999 W 123rd Street, Palos Park, IL 60464. Any question regarding the program, please call the station at 708-671-3770 or use our convenient online application:

Donate Today


If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Palos Park Police Cadets, you may do so by sending the donation to the Palos Park Police Cadet Program. This program is operated completely by volunteers, 100% of your donation directly benefits the youth involved in this program. Mail your check to:
Palos Park Police Department
8999 W 123rd Street
Palos Park, IL 60464