Through Learning for
Life (Boys and Girl Scouts of America) , the Oakland Housing Authority Police
Department has established a Police Explorers and Cadet program for high
school, college and university students. The goal of these programs is to
enhance the relationship between the youth in our communities, the members of
law enforcement and to provide firsthand knowledge of police operations.
Members of the Explorer and Cadet program are not sworn. Explorers/Cadets may
be assigned to the enforcement related community service functions. They can
also be used as a resource in emergencies and large-scaled special events.
July
6, 2011, was the first day of the Oakland Housing Authority Police Department
Cadet program. We started with (9) cadets who are between the ages of 18-20.5.
Cadets are residents of the Oakland Housing Authority and work (20 to 25) hours
a week. They are currently enrolled in college or a university with a load of at least 12 units. Our Cadets have attend colleges and universities around the
nation such as Butler University, Texas State University, College of the Redwoods, San
Jose State University, Merritt College, Laney College and College of Alameda.
The Explorer program is for youth between the ages of 14-18 years of age.
They attend meetings, and maintain at
least a “C” averages in school. Explorers are also residents of the Oakland
Housing Authority.
During
the year the Cadets and Explorers attended several events hosted by the Oakland
Housing Authority. They participated in National Night Out (our Cadet dressing
as McGruff the Crime Dog), Block Parties, the Annual Senior Holiday Splendor,
Board of Commissioners Meetings, and OHA Employee food drives. In
addition, they present at local area schools on bullying and other youth
related topics, and have also volunteered at a Thanksgiving Food drive event
where we served food to the homeless and less fortunate in our city. The Cadets were
recently featured in a Channel 7 news report about Oakland youth living
a positive life and working as Cadets for our Police Department.
Weekly
training is scheduled for the Cadets, that at times is attended by Explorers.
Training is set to further their knowledge of law enforcement and to assist
them as they continue to live their lives in a positive direction and as role
models to their and younger generations. The Cadet/Explorer program has
assisted them in job search, life skills, and opportunities for a higher
education as it has motivated them and kept them on a positive path. Our goal
is to have successful members of the community who give back in their own way.
Several of our Cadets aspire to be Police Officers themselves.