Palos Park Police Recruiting Teens For Explorer Cadet Program

PALOS PARK, IL — The Palos Park Police Explorer Cadet program is looking for fresh faces.

The goal of the program is to teach young adults the values needed to succeed in a law enforcement career and in life. The Explorer Cadets program is designed to introduce young men and women in 14 to 20 years of age interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

The program was created in 1999 as a way to involve teens in the police department and observe the inner workings of a law enforcement agency. Cadets receive law enforcement training, mentoring, classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Cadets help with traffic control at major village events and participate in a "Ride-a-Long" program. They also assist people crossing the intersection of 123rd Street and 86th Avenue in front of the Plush Horse iced cream parlor during the busy summer months. Cadets also conduct senior/elderly checks as part of the police departments "You Are Not Alone" program for seniors during inclement weather.

A typical training day for the cadets may involve investigating mock accident scenes and filling out reports.

Anyone 14-21 years of age can apply to be a cadet or inquire about the cadet program by picking up an application at the Palos Park Police Department, 8999 W. 123rd St. For more information contact Officer Chibe by email at Rchibe@palospark.org or by calling 708- 671-3770.