Goals of the Cadet Program
1.Familiarize boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 21 with various aspects of law enforcement.
2.Improve relations between police officers and the young people of Gastonia as well as surrounding counties through a close working relationship.
3. Allow Cadets an opportunity to become closely involved with police work through specialized training, along with duty assignments and community based programs.
Visit the Cadet Managed Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/gpdexplorer
Meetings and Training
Monthly Unit meetings are currently held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month ( meeting scheduling may be modified). Additional training classes are scheduled during the year. Other than extensive monthly training, selected cadets are sent to training events throughout North Carolina. These events include Survival Weekend, and a week long Cadet Academy.
Meeting topics include: active shooter training/rapid deployment, subject control arrest techniques, room clearing, known and unknown risk traffic stops, and patrol techniques. Cadets have the opportunity to participate in the ride along program,and have time at GPD's firing range under the supervision of firearms instructors.
Uniforms
Uniforms are provided by the police department and must be worn at all Cadet functions.
Mentors
The unit is supervised by police officers servings as mentors and associate mentors. The mentor is the key adult inthe Unit and ensures that the Unit functions properly and offers the necessary programs.
Crime Prevention
Cadets assist in Crime Prevention programs presented by the department as well as present their own programs.
Community Events
Cadets are active in community events inside Gastonia and surrounding areas. Functions include: fun fairs,camps, parades, downtown live events.
Child Safety Programs
Cadets are involved in providing and distributing children's safety material and literature in public and private schools. Cadets hold child safet yprograms in local department stores and community events.
If interested Contact:
Officer Caleb Price