Police Cadet (Intern) | Arlington County Police Department

 

Police Cadet (Intern)
Location: Arlington, VA
Job ID: 786
Salary: $22.00 Hourly
Closing Date: September 4, 2025


Are you ready to make a difference in your community? The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is seeking motivated individuals enrolled in an accredited college or university who are eager to explore various fields and aspects in Law Enforcement. Police Cadets will gain hands-on experience and mentorship as they explore various divisions within the Police Department, including participating in patrol ride-alongs within the Operations Division, community policing, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, communications, and crime scene investigations. The ACPD Cadet participant is a civilian employee who gains practical experience and an introduction to a law enforcement career.


Qualifications


Minimum:

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent;
• Enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing the completion of at least 60 college credit hours; and
• Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher and a 2.0 semester GPA or higher while enrolled in at least 9 credits or equivalent hours per semester.

Also:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be a US Citizen;
• Be a non-tobacco user;
• Have no felony convictions or serious misdemeanors; and
• Marijuana: No use from the date of application, regardless of location of use, as it may be legal in other states/countries.

Additional Information

Work Hours: 

Work schedule is dependent on class schedule and will be determined at time of hire. Work is performed as part of 24 /7 operation and the worker must be able to work shifts, including after-hours and during emergency situations as necessary, in-person. A reliable means of transportation to Arlington County to perform job related duties is required! Cadets may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic semester.

Selection Process:

There is a multi-stage selection process to determine applicant eligibility to become an Arlington County Police Cadet. A candidate must pass each stage of the selection process to be considered eligible for hire. These stages include:

• Screening for minimum qualifications;
• Character/background investigation;
• Panel interview;
• Polygraph examination;
• Drug testing; and
• Medical examination.

Pathway from Police Cadet to Arlington County Police Recruit:

• Be at least 20.5 years of age;
• Completed at least two college semesters (spring and fall semester) as a Police Cadet;
• Completed a minimum of 30 college credits; and
• Receive a positive recommendation from the Cadet Coordinator