Lake County Gazette

The Buffalo Grove Police Department has introduced a new cadet program proposal aimed at building positive relationships with the community's youth. The initiative seeks to provide young individuals with an opportunity to explore careers in law enforcement.

According to the Buffalo Grove Committee of the Whole agenda packet for February 3, Police Chief Brian Budds said that local youth will have the chance to delve into career interests in law enforcement through classroom training and community service. Police cadets, aged between 14 and 18, will work under direct supervision from department employees. They will be assigned to operational components within the police department in a supportive capacity. The structured program will begin with routine tasks, gradually progressing to more advanced responsibilities.

The meeting agenda packet outlines that the Police Cadet Program will be part of the Field Operations Support Group, supervised by a program coordinator. Two associate coordinators will assist in operations and training, as well as recruitment and administrative functions. Sworn officers and civilian personnel will serve as advisors, providing field training when necessary.

To qualify for the program, candidates must have reached their 14th birthday and completed eighth grade. They must complete a written application and undergo a thorough background review. Accepted youths are required to maintain a clean record with no negative police contacts and remain full-time students with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Cadets will receive basic uniforms distinguishing them from department employees. They will not respond to active calls for service that pose public threats. One objective of the cadet program is to prepare future candidates for potential positions within the department.