What is the Youth Cadet Program?

The Youth Cadet Program is a program affiliated with the Public Safety Cadets Organization. The purpose of the program is to acquaint young men and women with careers in Law Enforcement.

The program is sponsored by LPD and acts as both an LPD Community Involvement Initiative and a recruitment tool. The Cadet program teaches Law Enforcement concepts through both academic and scenario-based training. Cadets are provided leadership opportunities and able to build confidence through successful completion of trainings and competitions. 

The goals and objectives of the Lewisville Youth Cadets Program are:

• Build leadership skills
• Encourage the Cadet’s participation in community service activities
• Further the Cadet’s education
• Prepare the Cadets as citizens, community leaders, and as police officers 

The program is sponsored by LPD and acts as both an LPD Community Involvement Initiative and a recruitment tool. The Cadet program teaches Law Enforcement concepts through both academic and scenario-based training.
Cadets are provided leadership opportunities and able to build confidence through
successful completion of trainings and competitions. 

Some of the highlights of the Cadet Program include, but are not limited to: 

• Building volunteerism and confidence
• Assisting LPD with events such as Western Days, Open House, Service Training, and more. 
• Assisting with planning and operating the annual LPD Youth Cadet Competition. 
• Attend Youth Cadet Competitions
• Act as a positive voice for LPD and its officers

Membership

The membership requirements listed can, at the discretion of the Unit Advisory Staff, be changed to allow for admission or denial of special cases. The basic membership requirements are:

• Must have attained the age of 14 and can stay in the program until their 21st birthday.
• Must reside within Lewisville OR attend an LISD school OR have a parent that works in the city.
• Must be in good physical and mental condition
• Must maintain a passing grade in all courses
• Must pass a background investigation, which will include:

1. Interview with school counselor
2. Verification of driving record
3. Inspection of in-house police files
4. Complete Criminal History check - Cannot have Class B or above offenses, Class C level non-traffic offenses, and cannot be a member of a gang
5. Must maintain good moral character
6. Must maintain appearance and demeanor within standards of the Lewisville Police Department
7. Must have full approval of parents or guardian and assurance of their support and cooperation

HOW TO JOIN:

• Contact the Cadet Program Lead - Officer Dylan Sherwood dsherwood@cityoflewisville.com
• Attend 3 meetings
• Make the decision to join
• Complete the paperwork (followed by a background and gang check)
• Pay a $15.00 registration fee to Public Safety Cadets

 The Department provides the following equipment:

• Duty Belt
• Red gun and holster
• Blue gun taser and holster
• Glove pouch
• Handcuff pouch
• Uniform shirts and Class A uniform shirt 

**The Cadet is responsible for their own black BDU pants, handcuffs with key, black tactical boots, and flashlight.  

Training
The following are areas in which Cadets are trained:

• Traffic Code
• Traffic Control
• First Aid and CPR
• History of Law Enforcement
• Juvenile Law
• Communications
• Patrol Procedures
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Accident Investigation
• Arrest, Search and Seizure
• Weapons and Firearms
• Penal Code/Code of Criminal Procedure
• Tactics/ Building Searches         

Ride Along Program

This program allows Cadets to get firsthand knowledge of police patrol procedures. Cadets can ride with a police officer in the field during a normal tour of duty upon completing a training program approved by Unit Advisory Staff. Cadets will observe, experience and learn law enforcement first hand.  

Competitions

At least once per year, Cadets put into action the skills they have learned, and compete against other cadet programs. At the competitions, trophies are awarded for Unit performance.