Cadet Testimonials

Career Opportunities in Law Enforcement
785-368-9066 or 785-368-9226 Topeka Police Cadet Law Enforcement

Explorer Post #721

What is post 721?
It is a Law Enforcement Explorer program developed by the Boy Scouts of America and sponsored by the Topeka Police Department. Post 721 has been in existence since 1968 and offers young men and women an opportunity to 'explore' a side of police work that television doesn't. If you meet our qualifications and are interested in learning more about what a law enforcement career may have to offer, then being a police cadet may be for you. The following is a list of questions and answers that you or your parents may have about the history and function of Post 721.

How Do I become A Police Cadet?
If you are between the ages of 14 and 20 and have never been convicted of a felony crime, just attend one of the regular meetings held every Monday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Law Enforcement Center located at 320 S. Kansas Avenue and fill out an application.

How Much Will It Cost?
Except for some clothing items the only cost that is required of the explorer is a small once a year membership fee.

What About Uniforms and Equipment?
As much of the uniforms and equipment as possible are supplied to the cadet free of charge. However, there are some accessories that the cadet is required to purchase himself/herself such as footwear.

What Exactly Do Police Cadets Do?
The activities of a police cadet are endless. Besides regular scheduled meetings, Post 721 provides security and traffic control for such events as the Topeka Air Show, Railroad Days, Go 4th, and many more. Cadets 16 and older who have completed a thorough training program may qualify to participate in the ride-along program. Cadets are actively involved in the community putting in thousands of hours each year as a post. Cadets have also been called upon by the Police Department to assist in searches for evidence, missing persons, victims of crimes, and for helping in the 1983 and 1988 tornadoes.

Is Being A Cadet Dangerous?
Anytime a person puts on a uniform that associates them with a law enforcement organization, they are putting the selves at some risk. Cadets while on a ride along are required to wear a bulletproof vest and all projects are monitored by police dispatch. Our priority is minimizing the cadet's risk.

What Type of Training Does A Cadet Receive?
A police cadet receives training in most every area of law enforcement including traffic control, search and arrest, domestic crisis intervention, bomb search, crime prevention, traffic accident investigation, first aid, CPR, and officer safety.

As you can see, there is a lot involved in being a cadet, but there is one thing we have not mentioned.. FUN. Every other year Post 721 will attend the National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference, which has been held in locations such as Atlanta, GA and Flagstaff, AZ. There are also a number of activities that have nothing to do with police work at all, just a chance to get together and have a good time. In addition, there are training camps sponsored by different agencies in Kansas.

If you are interested in law enforcement or just looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity to expand your horizons, then being a police cadet may be for you. For more information stop by the Law Enforcement Center at 320 S. Kansas Ave. on any Monday evening between 6:30 and 9:00 PM, or call 368-9066.