Police Programs
Police Cadet | Youth | Adult
Police Cadet Program
As a cadet (previously known as paid intern), you are the first person the community will see when they walk through the department’s front door. You will write criminal and non-criminal reports, assist with impounds, administer PBTs, and help officers with miscellaneous duties. Cadets observe real-world situations with citizens. This experience allows you to develop decision-making, critical thinking, and communication skills, and prepares you for a career in the criminal justice system.
EXPLORER PROGRAM
Explorers are a committed small group of young adults who train at the police department every other week. This interactive, career education program includes the areas of discipline, leadership, maturity, teamwork, physical fitness, and skills related to criminal justice focused on law enforcement. This program is year round.
YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY
This is a free and fun opportunity, for high school sophomores through seniors, for an inside experience at what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer. Participants have a hands-on approach to basic police training that includes several areas and units from the department. This program is one week in July of each year
PATHWAYS TO POLICING
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids and the GRPD have partnered to offer this program, composed of two, six-week cycles that are led by officers assigned to the Clubs. The program includes mentoring, hands-on training, test preparation, mock interviews, and life skill development.
VOLUNTEER NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES PROGRAM
The Grand Rapids Police Department offers an opportunity for local residents to invest their time in a unique volunteer program. Members of the Volunteer & Neighborhood Services Program help GRPD, by delivering critical services to our neighborhoods and relieving police officers of duties that are unrelated to crime. This program is year round.
CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY
This 10-week (in Fall), free academy educates community members in department procedures and pressures associated with law enforcement. There are presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on participation provided by officers from various units. Participants have an opportunity to ride with an officer for one shift.
VICTIM ADVOCATE VOLUNTEER
The Volunteer Victim Advocate program was created in 2018 in response to the needs of grieving families after a traumatic loss. Volunteer Victim Advocates serve their community by responding to scenes of unexpected deaths to assist first responders with death notifications and provide information and support to surviving loved ones.
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