By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety in California launched a cadet program to recruit and train future police officers.
• The initiative aims to attract local candidates and address staffing challenges by preparing participants for law enforcement careers.
• Cadets receive mentoring, training, ride-alongs and opportunities to build skills relevant to police work.
• The program is open to high school students and young adults interested in public safety careers.
• Department officials said the cadet initiative supports long-term workforce development and community engagement.
SUNNYVALE, CA — The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety has launched a cadet program designed to recruit and develop future police officers and public safety personnel, department officials said.
The initiative seeks to address recruiting and staffing challenges by attracting local high school students and young adults interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement and public safety, department representatives said.
Participants in the cadet program receive mentoring from department personnel, ride-along opportunities and targeted training to develop skills relevant to future police service, officials said.
Police leadership described the program as a workforce development strategy that enhances community engagement while preparing cadets for potential entry into the department’s training academy.
Officials did not immediately release details on the number of cadets enrolled or plans for expansion as the program evolves.