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Police Cadet Evaluation & Advancement

Evaluation

Lancaster City Bureau of Police staff, both sworn and civilian, will evaluate a Cadet’s performance on an evaluation form at the end of each week. The Community Engagement and Training Sergeants will review all evaluations with the Cadet.

Performance Expectations

Police Cadets must maintain a crime-free background and must follow to all laws, regulations, and policies governing the conduct and actions of the Bureau of Police.

An unsatisfactory evaluation or any breach of regulations is grounds for discipline, suspension, or dismissal. Employment as a Cadet is “at will,” and the Chief of Police may discharge a Cadet for any reason.

Advancement

A Cadet can be hired as a full-time Police Officer if they meet the following requirements:

  1. The Cadet is at least 20 years old and has successfully passed the physical and written exam for the Police Officer position.
    1. The Cadet must test with other applicants during a regular recruitment and testing cycle.
    2. The Cadet will be placed on the civil service eligibility list based on their score.
  2. The Cadet can have five (5) preference points added to their test score if they have successfully completed the Cadet program, which is determined by the Chief of Police.
    1. The Cadet must pass the physical and written exams to receive the preference points.
    2. The Cadet must not have been the subject of disciplinary action.
    3. The Cadet must also receive a positive performance evaluation, as determined by the Chief or their designee.
  3. The Cadet must pass the same background investigation and evaluation as other candidates for Police Officer, including but not limited to a polygraph, all requirements of the Criminal History Records Act, Chapter 91 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code is required. Upon a conditional offer, the Cadet will undergo a physical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.
  4. The Cadet must meet all of the hiring and police academy entry regulations and criteria as set forth by the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission and the Lancaster City Civil Service Commission.
  5. If no openings for Police Officer positions exist at the time of completion of the Cadet program, the Cadet may be remain employed until an opening occurs.
  6. All hiring of Cadets as Police Officers is approved by the Chief of Police and the Mayor.