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 and surrounding counties through a close working relationship.
3. Give cadets the opportunity to become closely involved with police work through specialized training, duty assignments, and community-based programs.

Follow the cadets on their own page: Gastonia Police Cadets on Facebook (opens in a new tab)

Meetings and Training

Unit meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month (schedule may change). Additional training classes are scheduled throughout the year. Beyond monthly training, selected cadets attend training events across North Carolina, including Survival Weekend and a weeklong Cadet Academy.

Meeting topics include:

• Active shooter training and rapid deployment
• Subject control and arrest techniques
• Room clearing
• Known-risk and unknown-risk traffic stops
• Patrol techniques

Cadets can also take part in the ride-along program and spend 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 serving as mentors and associate mentors. The mentor is the key adult in the unit and makes sure it runs properly and offers the necessary programs.

Crime Prevention

Cadets assist with crime prevention programs presented by the department and also present programs of their own.

Community Events

Cadets are active in community events in Gastonia and surrounding areas, including fun fairs, camps, parades, and Downtown Live events.

Child Safety Programs

Cadets provide and distribute children's safety materials in public and private schools, and hold child safety programs at local department stores and community events.