Public Safety Cadet Program
The national, nonprofit Public Safety Cadet (PSC) program is managed by active law enforcement officers dedicated to preparing young adults for careers and leadership in the public safety profession. The program, sponsored by and functioning locally under the BCoPD, is directed by a committee of BCoPD sworn personnel with the assistance of several interested adult civilians/volunteers.
The PSC program's goal is to mentor young adults to serve their communities by providing knowledge, skills and practical experiences through education and training delivered by public safety professionals. These experiences build character, leadership development, and appreciation for community services and good citizenship.
PSCs receive basic instruction in various phases of law enforcement, including but not limited to:
- Criminal and traffic law
- Criminal and accident investigation
- Crime prevention
- Traffic control and direction
- Community policing
- Public speaking
PSCs are required to participate in the numerous details performed by their Unit, usually in the following areas:
- Traffic direction
- Security
- Communications
- Field trips (training, team building, etc.)
- Training seminars
PSC are governed by a manual of rules and regulations that mirrors BCoPD's.
- Uniforms are required—with part of the uniform supplied by the Unit and part purchased by the individual member.
- Promotion—To the various ranks within the program depends upon a member's service record with the Unit, leadership potential and completion of any designated testing procedures.
- Integrity—All PSCs must maintain the highest level of integrity while they are participating in the program's activities and in their personal lives. Those PSCs violating the guidelines set forth by the program will be handled accordingly.
Principles
The following core values and principals are the foundation of our program and are instilled in all program activities.
- Fair and Impartial Services—For all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or religion, and a respect for diversity and the rule of law.
- Role of First Responders in a Democratic Society—Training programs, practical experiences and activities that better prepare young adults for a public safety career
- Servant Leadership—Preparing the next generation of public safety professionals through development programs that emphasize this concept. Community engagement and support are critical to successfully achieving the mission of public safety organizations. Engaging young adults through agency sponsors to work collaboratively with citizens and community organizations will help strengthen relationships, build trust and resolve issues for the well-being of the community.
- Essential Character Traits—Integrity, fairness, impartiality, courtesy, respect and compassion are essential character traits. Public safety professionals and organizations must be committed to these traits, and to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, in all aspects of their operations and in providing the highest quality services to the communities they serve.
- Accountability—Public safety professionals are accountable to the public they serve and are held to a higher standard of conduct than other members of the community. They must reflect the values and virtues of good citizenship in both their personal and professional lives as set forth in their professional code of conduct (i.e. the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics).
Application Process
Learn more about the PSC program application process.
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At the time of application and to be eligible for membership in the program, a candidate must:
- Be between 13.5 and 20 years of age and in junior high school
- Have and maintain a minimum grade "C" average in school
- Be a responsible citizen with a good reputation and moral character
- Be able to safely perform duties of this position without posing a threat to the health and safety of themselves or others
- Have full approval of parents or guardian, and assurance of their support and cooperation
- Be a United States citizen
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If you are interested in becoming a PSC and meet the above eligibility requirements, visit your precinct's web page to find contact information to contact your precinct's mentoring officer. You do not have to submit an application specific to the area where you live. You can choose the location of the precinct/unit that you would like to join.
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Once accepted into the program, PSCs are placed on a three-month probationary period. Successful completion of the probationary period allows the member to advance towards full membership privileges.
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Full members have the opportunity to earn scholarships and travel nationally for a leadership academy and various training opportunities, including mentor and youth safety training. Service learning hours are also available for high school graduation requirements.
Each Unit holds regular meetings within their designated precinct. PSCs are expected to attend all meetings for their Unit, which are primarily held the first and third Thursdays of each month, unless otherwise stated. View your precinct's meeting schedule.
| Unit | Contact Number | Mentoring Officers |
|---|---|---|
Headquarters—2100 | 410-887-5901 | Mentor: Co-mentors: |
Youth Leadership Academy
The Youth Leadership Academy is a week-long program that helps inform young people ages 14 through 18 about police work. The academy helps young people understand why police respond to various situations in a particular way and how they handle those situations. Lunch will be provided each day.
2023 Dates: June 26 to July 1
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
Police Training Academy, CCBC Dundalk
7200 Sollers Point Road
Dundalk, Maryland 21222
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The Youth Leadership Academy was developed to provide young people ages 14 through 18 with an opportunity to learn about:
- Selected police units
- Leadership and decision-making skills
- Teamwork and communication
- The benefits of public service
- Fostering positive relationships with law enforcement officers
- The challenges and demands associated with the law enforcement profession
- The role of the individual in shaping his or her own future by making good choices
- Practical application that demonstrates the aspects of the police officer’s job
- Probable Cause and Arrest, Role Playing
- CSI, Forensics and Forensic Art
- Hazardous Devices Team
- Gun Violence and Youth
- Impact of Drug and Substance Abuse
- Impacts of Social Media
- Accident Investigation
- Traffic Stops and Enforcement
- Marine, Aviation, Tactical and K-9 (field trips to these locations)
- Team Building Course
- Physical Training
- Other programs: School Resource Officer, Explorer and Cadet Programs
Application Process
Learn more about the Youth Leadership Academy program application process.
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Students who wish to apply must meet the following requirements:
- Residents of Baltimore County
- Between 14 and 18 years of age
- In good academic standing
- Complete the application process
- Pass a background check
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Submit the Youth Leadership Academy application by May 8 via email to youthacademy@baltimorecountymd.gov. A signature is not required if this form is being sent electronically. Fill in the date the application is being submitted as enrollment is limited. Print a copy of your application for your records.
The Youth Leadership Academy waiver must also be completed and signed by the applicant and their parent or guardian. If the applicant is 18 years of age, the parent or guardian signature is optional. The waiver must be returned to the address or email listed on the application.
Students may contact their School Resource Officer (SRO) for information and assistance.
Cops and Kids Basketball Clinic
Kids ages 6 to 17 can play basketball while learning more about police officers and the jobs they do to help the community. To register for a basketball clinic near you, complete and submit the basketball clinic waiver via email to policepartnerships@baltimorecountymd.gov.