Explore law enforcement career paths for youths

Youth Cadet Program

The mission of the County of Santa Clara Sheriff's Office Youth Cadet Program is to promote a constructive relationship between law enforcement, the youth of the community, and citizens who live in the community. The program is designed for high school​​ ​and college students as a first introduction to the career fields and is designed to develop youth into responsible and mature adults and community leaders. Youth Cadets participate in various functions of the Sheriff's Office, including patrol ride-alongs, crime prevention fairs, and other public appearances. Many members of the Sheriff's Office have started their careers in similar programs. This program is available for youths who have interest in any of the Criminal Justice or Science fields. Meetings are held twice a month on alternating Thursday evenings. Meetings are three (3) hours in length and attendance is required.

Many opportunities are available to Youth Cadets. Youth Cadets will be able to observe what goes on in a law enforcement and corrections environment while building character, promoting good citizenship, and enhancing mental and physical fitness. Youth Cadets can choose to work as decoys alongside undercover deputies in alcohol and tobacco sting operations. Youth Cadets participate in guided tours of various facilities related to the criminal justice system such as patrol headquarters, jail facilities, and courthouses. 

Requirements

• 15 - 21 years of age.
• Must not have extensive/serious criminal history.
• Must be enrolled in high school if under 18 years of age and maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
• Must be in good physical condition.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 8 hours of volunteer service per month.
• Must be able to commit to a three (3) week Summer Law Enforcement Explorer Academy. 

Training

Youth Cadets receive training on law enforcement and corrections related topics during the regular meetings in addition to other training opportunities such as the three (3) week Summer Law Enforcement Explorer Academy where they will receive extensive training that will assist them in their duties and cultivate their interest in the career field. This academy will also further the Youth Cadets knowledge and experience in the law enforcement and corrections fields. Youth Cadets attending this academy will receive college credits. The Youth Cadet training consists of First Aid/CPR, police patrol ​procedures, officer safety, communications, law enforcement powers and responsibilities, and much more.​

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Teen Academy

The Sheriff's Office Summer Teen Academy is a free two-week program designed to provide students with an inside look at various aspects of the Sheriff's Office and law enforcement. The academy will:

• Cover topics including traffic law, criminal law, Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT), Dive Team, K9, CSI, and bomb investigation.

• Host a tour of a County jail and County courthouse.

• Invite students to complete a ride-along with a patrol deputy.

Applications are due no later than June 1st for the June academy and July 20th for the July academy.

Classes will run Monday-Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Richey Training Center in San Jose. We encourage participants to arrange their own transportation to and from class. However, contact Sheriff's personnel using the information below if you will have difficulties arranging transportation.

The academy is intended to provide students with an overview of Sheriff's Office functions and procedures. Although the curriculum and teaching methods are similar to those used in a law enforcement academy, the sessions are not intended to make the participants law enforcement officers. To be selected by the Sheriff's Office, applicants to the academy will be subject to a modified background investigation and must meet certain requirements:

• Applicants must not have disciplinary or truancy issues at school.
• Applicants must reside or attend a high school within the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Office (or have just graduated).
• Applicants cannot have any felony judgments against them.
• Applicants cannot have any arrests involving violence, drugs, or possession or use of weapons.
• Applicants cannot have any misdemeanor judgments against them within the last two years.
• Applicants cannot currently be on probation or parole.

Any participant who becomes involved in a criminal matter or is found to be involved in any situation that may result in an arrest or suspension from school will be immediately removed from the academy. The Sheriff's Office may also dismiss participants who lie in the academy or lied in the application process.