Pine Bluffs Police Cadet Program coming soon

PINE BLUFFS -- The Pine Bluffs Police Department is hosting a year-long cadet program, likely starting in early June.

The program is for 13 – 21-year-olds where they will learn about traffic control, procedures, and firearms and move onto training in suspect control, de-escalation, CPR and first aid. 

Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith says, “It’s going to be a long-reaching and good immersive program of different organizations.” 

Even though it will be based out of Pine Bluffs, the department is partnering with Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne Police Department, and Kimball Police Department to expand the training to the surrounding areas. 

The cadets will have training once or twice per month on the weekends. The officers will keep in touch with parents and school authorities to ensure the students do not fall behind on their school responsibilities. 

Smith says the cadets will need to keep a certain grade point average to attend each training course. If their GPA is too low, they cannot participate in extra field activities. 

Smith has organized this program at other police departments that he’s worked at, so he is excited to bring it to the area. 

Smith said, “When I was a kid, I wish there was something where I got more learning experience prior to getting into law enforcement.” 

The program will prepare teenagers and young adults who want to pursue a career in law enforcement. 

It will still be beneficial for others, as it will strengthen their leadership and public speaking skills that they can apply to any path they take. 

“[This program] can open different doors they may not know were there before,” Smith says. 

The price has not been finalized yet but will likely sit between $10-20 for the whole program. The department will provide uniforms including pants, shirts and hats. 

Applications can be picked up in person at the Pine Bluffs Police Department or request an application via email at [email protected].

Submit completed applications to the Pine Bluffs Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, or the Kimball Police Department.