Renton Police Department Cadet Program
The Renton Police Cadet Program started on July 1, 2008. Candidates were interviewed by a panel of Police employees and participated in background checks similar to regular Police employees. Four students, who are enrolled in criminal justice 
programs at local colleges, were hired to perform a variety of police-related duties. Cadets are allowed to ride with Police Officers while on patrol, and work side by side with other members of the Department. Cadets are not trained to be Police Officers, but spend their shifts learning what Police Officers do. They are exposed to all different areas of the Department, and have been involved with special events including the 4th of July Celebration at Coulon Park, Renton River Days, the Return to Renton Benefit Car Show and Cruise-in, and National Night Out. Each Cadet is assigned to a different division of the Department on a rotating basis. Their duties include assisting the Domestic Violence Victim's Advocate, processing evidence, delivering felony cases to the prosecutor's office, assisting the Crime Analyst with stolen property tracing, escorting visitors to the jail, posting abandoned vehicles, and serving as role players in scenario based training. 
The Cadet program is intended to give the Department a chance to evaluate the students and to give Cadets the opportunity to get a closer look at police work, particularly within the Renton Police Department. This program gives the Department an opportunity to form strong relationships with these students during their college years, with the hope that they will aspire to join the Department when they complete their education.
If you have additional questions about the Cadet program, please contact Commander Floyd Eldridge at 425-430-7512 or email feldridge@rentonwa.gov.