Thank you for your interest in applying to the Cadet program.

Applications are now closed.

Please check back next year. Applications are accepted in May of each year.

In order to be eligible for the program, youth must:

• Have an interest in policing and considering a future career in law enforcement
• Be of 14 - 18 years of age; No younger than 14 years of age or older than 18 years of age at date of program start. *Please note: Applicants must be 18 years old maximum by the completion if the cadet year. 
• Have completed the application form
• Have 2 reference details – (Professional, volunteer or academic reference, one must be teacher or principle); no family or friends' references
• Be attending school full time.
• Undergo a screening process which includes an Enhanced Police Information Check. (this check includes a review of immediate family members and residents of the household)
• Undergo a panel interview
• Maintain a high level of integrity and demonstrate good ethical character
• Maintain a minimum 70% attendance record with program
• Have Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident status;
• Have no criminal convictions or association with known criminals
• Be willing to volunteer time to the Edmonton Police Service in order to gain knowledge and understanding of the law and respect for police personnel
• Able to arrange own transportation to and from NW Campus on class nights

The cost to students is minimal.

• There is a $200 fee due at the start of class. Funding support is available for those in need.
• All necessary uniforms and learning materials will be provided to cadets.
• Participants will be required to provide their own boots and running/athletic shoes.

The Cadet program meets each week, usually on Wednesdays from 1800 to 2100 from September – May. The program schedule normally follows the school year and allows for winter breaks, exam break and spring break.

Youth participating in Police Cadets will:

• Develop an understanding of the police
• Develop an understanding of the role of a police officer in the community
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Build a foundation for a future career in law enforcement
• Discover new challenges
• Increase physical fitness
• Have an opportunity to earn HS credits

As early as 1959, the EPS was involved in delivering youth programming aimed at training and mentoring leaders in the community. Today, we offer the Cadet Corps to youth in our city.

The goal of the EPS Cadet Corps is to instill a sense of community and citizenship in youth. The program aims to foster leadership, citizenship, pride, discipline, and challenge while acquainting youth with the foundation and connection to a career in policing.

The Cadet Corps program reinforces four core values that mirror those of the EPS:

1. Citizenship– participating in community events alongside key partners to increase valuing service and diversity competency.
2. Leadership – giving opportunity for young people to develop and grow in their personal resiliency. Opportunities to increase confidence and lead peers will be available.
3. Pride & Discipline – sessions are designed to challenge the mind, body and self. Participants will receive assignments that will require teamwork in order to reach a final goal. Young people will develop an understanding of respect and trust.
4. Challenge – The program works hard at providing personal and team challenges for youth to gain a new realization of what they can achieve. 

(2024) Cadet program relaunches: The Edmonton Police Service is pleased to announce the return of the Cadet program for the 2024-2025 season.

(2021) EPS Cadet Corps program incorporates Service’s hijab option: The Edmonton Police Service’s police-issued hijab, a headwear option for Muslim women in the force, is now available for Muslim youth enrolled in the Service’s Cadet Corps program.

(2020) Lest we forget, thanks to EPS Officers and Cadets: The Edmonton Police Service honoured members of the armed forces ahead of Remembrance Day.