2024 Applications now closed. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance status. 

The Fairfax County Police Department was the first in the nation to be granted a charter to operate units of the Public Safety Cadets organization.  Public Safety Cadets is a national organization that partners with law enforcement agencies to provide leadership, ethics, and career preparation training to young people 14-21 years old with an interest in a career in law enforcement.  Fairfax County operates three units of Public Safety Cadets in three different locations with police officers serving as mentors.  

Unit 1742 is based at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, Unit 2252 is based at West Potomac High School, and Unit 505 is based at Annandale High School. Public Safety Cadets allows the FCPD to conduct important youth outreach and recruitment of local young adults to one day fill our ranks. 

 Key benefits of the Public Safety Cadets include:

National Events and Career Skills Competition

National Leadership Development Academy

Hands-on experience and awareness of the criminal justice system

Basic, advanced, and specialized law enforcement training

Ride Along program

Develop high personal standards of performance and personal conduct

Develop self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills

Building a recruitment pipeline and pathway for employment

Liability Insurance and Supplemental Accident Insurance

Annual Dues: $50

For more information email fcpdpsc@fairfaxcounty.gov