Public Safety Cadet Program

The Denver Public Safety Cadet Program is a specialized training and education program designed to help strengthen and diversify the future workforce of the Denver Police, Fire and Sheriff Departments. Successful applicants are typically recent high school graduates or those with less than two years of completed college credit.

Cadets receive assignments every six months and support operations across the Department of Public Safety. They also participate in department and community events. On average, cadets work three days per week and attend school two days per week. Cadets are sometimes required to work nights, weekends or holidays.

Cadets will participate in monthly trainings that teach skills essential to pursuing a career in public safety. Some of the trainings include self-defense tactics, radio communications, firearms, defensive driving, and conflict resolution. Cadets also have the opportunity to participate in annual mini academies for Denver Fire, Denver Police and Denver Sheriff Departments. These are longer training sessions that incorporate all aspects of the jobs and expose cadets to how the safety academy classes are conducted.

Cadets will participate in fitness training and other functional fitness techniques frequently used in public safety careers. Maintaining a high level of fitness prepares cadets for the physical demands and expectations of the public safety training academies.

Cadets can also take advantage of advanced safety and emergency medical technique training.

• High school diploma or GED
• Colorado residency and the ability to qualify for in-state tuition at MSU or UCD
• Ability to meet strict background standards (criminal history, drug use, driving record)
• Ability to be admitted as a student to UCD or MSU
• No more than 60 college credit hours completed at time of application
• Acceptance into the Cadet Program is highly competitive. Beyond meeting the minimum qualifications, an emphasis is placed on applications that can demonstrate a strong academic record of achievement and community service.

The next Cadet Program application period is Dec 1 - Dec 31, 2023. On December 1, 2023, applicants will be able to access the job application via the Denver jobs webpage at www.denvergov.org/jobs. 

All completed applications must include:

• Resume
• High school and/or college transcripts 
• One academic reference 
• One professional reference 

Once all the applications are reviewed and evaluated, selected applicants will be offered an interview. This program is highly competitive and not everyone who applies will be offered an interview. All applications are thoroughly reviewed for completeness (including required attachments) and evaluated based on academic achievement and community service. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants selected after the interview process will receive a conditional offer, subject to a comprehensive background investigation that will include a personality assessment, drug testing and medical evaluation.

Priority will be given to Denver Public School students and/or Denver Residents. 

The Public Safety Cadet Program and Cadets are held to the highest standard in terms of academics, fitness and appearance. The Cadet Program Manager oversees the administrative, policy, and procedural duties of the program on behalf of the Executive Director of Public Safety.

Cadets may be classified as Senior Cadet Leader, Cadet Leader, or Cadet. Opportunities exist to lead special training or functional groups within the program to help build leadership and decision-making skills.

All cadets must have or obtain a valid Colorado driver's license. 

Academic Requirements

• Take courses during the fall and spring semesters
• Take a minimum of 10 credit hours each semester
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5

While cadets may declare any major, they must take courses that work toward completion of their degree. Cadets receive special recognition for obtaining GPAs above 3.5 during any academic semester.

Fitness Requirements

Cadets participate in two practice and two scored fitness tests annually to support physical fitness. A holistic approach to wellness is built into the program to support a healthy lifestyle. 

Uniforms

Cadets wear uniforms and inspections are performed on a regular basis. It is expected that cadets always look their best with a pressed and clean uniform

Public Safety Cadets are currently compensated $17.29 per hour. Starting January 1, 2024 the Cadets wage will be raised to $18.29 per hour. Cadets receive paid in-state tuition and books at Metropolitan State University (MSU) or the University of Colorado Denver (UCD). 

Public Safety Cadets are classified as on-call training positions not eligible for benefits.