In 1998, the Delaware State Police Cadet Program was authorized under the enabling legislation of House Bill # 478, which passed both houses during the 139th Session of the General Assembly.

Minimum Qualifications includes:

• Education- Candidates must be currently enrolled in a Delaware college or university (full-time or part-time)
• Age- Candidates must be between the ages of 18-21
• Citizenship- Candidates must be a citizen of the United States
• Driver's License- Candidates must possess a valid driver's license

Selection Process includes:

• A formal State of Delaware application
• An Oral Board Interview
• A Background Check

Those candidates who demonstrate a degree of professionalism, skill, and character are representative of the qualities valued by the department and it's members. Cadets receive their training at the Delaware State Police Training Academy, which includes 36 hours of classroom and practical training. Once hired and trained, the cadets are considered part-time seasonal employees and work between 10-15 hours per week while receiving wages and completing their college degrees.

HB 478 authorizes cadets to enforce handicapped parking and fire lane violations while allowing troopers to enforce other criminal and traffic laws as well as engage in a myriad of community initiatives. As the cadet program expands, so too, will the responsibilities and duties of the cadets.

For more information on the Cadet Program contact:
Cpl. Michael Nichols
michael.nichols@state.de.us   302-242-0238

Download a Cadet Application