Police Cadet

Salary: $24.00 Hourly

Closing Date: 9/16/2026

Position Summary:

Temporary, full-time non-exempt position with the Las Cruces Police Academy. Progression to full-time, regular position upon successful completion of the Police Academy. Depending on the number of vacancies, some academy graduates may not be hired immediately but may be placed on a waiting list.

Essential Functions:

• Under the direct supervision of an experienced Police Officer, performs formal and informal training in the Las Cruces Police Academy training program.
• Studies, attends classes, completes homework assignments, takes tests, and follows all instructions relative to the academy curriculum and behavior.
• Attends indoor and outdoor classes and training sessions for preparation as a Police Officer.
• Learns criminal law, arrest and control techniques, use of firearms, report writing, vehicle operation, First Aid, CPR, narcotics, crowd control, court room demeanor, public relations, patrol procedures, physical conditioning and training, and any other subjects included in the academy.
• Performs tasks employing patrol methods, community relations, courtroom procedures, fingerprinting, report preparation, physical agility and strength formulation, and other police officer-related duties commensurate with attained skills.
• May assist an Officer in patrolling assigned areas of the City in a car, bicycle, or on foot.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City and Department policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Requirements:

1. Must be at least age 19 by start of the Police Academy (anticipated April 2027)
2. United States citizenship (born or naturalized) or individuals with work authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services
3. Valid driver’s license
4. Valid high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
5. No misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) years (Misdemeanor convictions do not include routine traffic citations unless the conviction is for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, or an equivalent offense from another jurisdiction. For purposes of this recruitment, a conviction includes a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, or a finding of guilt by a judge or jury.)
6. No convictions of domestic violence
7. No felony convictions
8. Marijuana use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must refrain from the use of marijuana and all cannabis products beginning on the date their application is submitted.
9.Applicants must also have no illegal steroid or illegal narcotic use within the past three (3) years.
10. Must not have ever transported illegal drugs
11. Must not have a Dishonorable Discharge from the US Military. The position has a preference for a degree or a minimum of 65 college credit hours. Sealed official transcripts or notarized copy of diploma is required prior to preference being applied. These documents must be submitted at the background investigation phase of the hiring process.