Public Safety Cadets is a career-oriented program that gives young adults the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies.

The program is generally available to qualified young adults who are between the ages of 14 and 21. Cadets participate in numerous activities like community service projects, various training with local, state and federal law enforcement officers, and regional and national law enforcement competitions.

The Ocean County, New Jersey, Sheriff’s Office seeks to provide its youth with a specialized training program that focuses on practical experiences and activities that not only better prepare young adults for a public safety career, but also emphasize the role of first responders in society.

Cadets participate in numerous activities like community service projects, various training with local, state and federal law enforcement officers, and regional and national law enforcement competitions.

Unit #1 meets twice monthly to train in motor vehicle accident reconstruction, domestic violence, crisis negotiations, burglary in progress, crime scene investigations, defensive tactics and handcuffing, search and rescue, firearms and weapons use. Additionally, the cadets receive guidance and lessons on creating a professional resume, scholarship opportunities and preparing for a successful job interview.

Unit #1 has competed in annual youth law enforcement competitions since 2017.

This past July, Unit #1 was privileged to compete at the National Competitive Training Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, against 98 very talented teams from across the country in a weeklong competition focusing on burglary in progress, arrest and search, officer rescue, active shooter, unknown trouble, person in distress, force options, numerous marksmanship challenges as well as a drill team competition.

Unit #1 once again proved that hard work and perseverance pays off, with awards for first place in Force Options, first place in Felony Motor Vehicle Stops, first place in Arrest, Search and Seizure Response, third place Drill Team, third place in Burglary in Progress and third place in Crisis Intervention — maintaining its place as Top Overall Post in the state.

Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Unit #1 is especially proud of the accomplishments and success of its cadets once they graduate from the program. With the training and guidance they receive from their mentors, most cadets have moved on to have successful careers as local municipal police officers, communications operators as well as Ocean County Sheriff’s officers, while others are proudly serving our country in every branch of the United States military.

Learn more about the program at sheriff.co.ocean.nj.us/frmCadets.