Allen County Sheriff Cadet Program
Sheriff Ken Fries' first exposure to a career in law enforcement was as a member of the Allen County Sheriffs Cadet Program. That program was dissolved some years ago. However, in an effort to give back what Sheriff Fries received at the start of his law enforcement career, he has reinstituted that valuable program.
The Cadet program is a voluntary, non-enforcement organization affiliated with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department which provides young people with exposure to the field of law enforcement and therefore is beneficial to those interested this particular career. Cadets will receive continuous law enforcement training, develop individual knowledge and skills and will allow them to meet others their age with similar interests. The Cadet program is designed to benefit responsible, honest and hard-working youths.
Academy:
Academies are held twice a year and must be completed before becoming a Cadet. Each academy will begin with a mandatory orientation meeting to provide candidates with more specific information. There are six training sessions held on Monday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm. The training academy includes sessions covering CPR, criminal law, arrest procedures, search and seizures, ethics, law and arrest, map reading, narcotics, report writing, policy and procedures, field training, defensive tactics, and patrol procedures.
Requirements:
- Must be 16-20 years old;
- Must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, graduated high school, or attained a GED;
- Must have a height and weight within reasonable proportion;
- Must successfully complete a written exam, character interview and a background check
Time Obligation:
After completion of the academy, Cadets are required to attend one meeting a month on the second Monday of the month from 7pm - 9pm at the Allen County Sheriff's Department Training Room at 12535 Lima Road or alternate sites scheduled in advance.
Cadets are encouraged to participate in other program activities as they become available. Overall, time obligation with the Cadet Program can range from a minimum of 4 hours a month to over 40 hours a month.
How to Join:
- Arrive at the training room offices at 12535 Lima Road on the second Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. At this meeting, you will receive more information regarding the Cadet Program and have a chance to talk with a Cadet Advisor.
- A basic 25 question multiple-choice test will be given on reading, comprehension, spelling and direction.
- Once passing the test, you will be given a background information packet which is to be completed and turned in to your Background Investigator.
- After passing the background investigation, an interview with a Cadet Advisor will be scheduled.
- Upon successful completion of the testing and background investigation process, you will be enrolled in the next scheduled Cadet Academy.
Advance Cadet Training (ACT) Academy
The Advance Cadet Training Academy is a great privilege and a learning experience for those interested in law enforcement. It is NOT MANDATORY but is a fun and worthwhile event. Some events include an introduction to S.W.A.T., a demonstration by a local Fire Department, experiencing patrol procedures, advanced radio procedures, street weapon recognition, officer survival, defensive tactics and arrest and control.
Cadets will participate in a S.W.A.T. obstacle course to test physical abilities which include a 180-pound dummy drag, mile run, a 30-yard low crawl wearing a heavy ballistic vest, and a 60-yard run wearing a ballistic vest carrying a 35 pound door breaching tool.
Funding of the Cadet Program
The Cadet Program is funded by the Allen County Sheriff's Department and by private donations from the community. Donations for the program are used specifically for field trips, uniforms and equipment.
The program is staffed by Sheriffs Department law enforcement personnel who will be present for all activities.