Minimum Qualifications

• Be between the ages of 14 and 18
  • We will review applicants on a case by case basis for those interested in joining that are between 18 and 20 and a half years old.  This is due to the time it takes to get fully vested in the program, which results in minimal benefit for those joining at a later age before they are required to leave the program.
• Be of good moral character. 
• Must pass an extensive background investigation. 
• Have no felony convictions or convictions of certain misdemeanors.
• Must not use illegal drugs, abuse prescription drugs, or consume alcohol while underage.
• Must have a respect for the law and abide by it.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from weekly meetings and various details throughout the County.
• Must be willing to maintain an 80% attendance rating of all meetings and details.
• If enrolled in Jr. High or High School, you must maintain a "C" average in all classes, a failure to do so will result in suspension from the program until grades are brought back up.
• Adhere to all MCSO & MCSO Cadet program polices and procedures. 
• Complete and turn in an MCSO Cadet application at a weekly meeting.
• Pay a $50.00 registration fee which covers the cost of your initial Class B uniform polo and Class C uniform t-shirt. 

Requirements of Applicants

• Applicants must attend a weekly meeting in order to turn in a completed cadet application
• The application must be either notarized where indicated, or signed in front of a Cadet Advisor as the MCSO Witness for both Adult and Juvenile applicants
• Applicants will be given a study guide containing information about the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the Cadet Program which they will be tested on at the meeting 2 weeks after.  
• Applicants must pass the written entrance exam with an 80% or higher.  Applicants will be given 1 re-take opportunity if they fail.  A second failure shall require a 6 month waiting period before re-applying to the program. 
• Applicants passing the written exam will be schedule for an Oral Board Interview consisting of Cadet Command Staff and overseen by one or more of the program Advisors. 
• Cadets that pass the Oral Board, will be required to pay the $50 registration fee at this time.  
• Once the applicant has passed the background investigation, written exam, oral board, and paid the $50 registration fee, they will be issued their Class B and C uniform shirts and a Cadet email account will be generated. 

Additional Items To Note:

• The minimum qualifications and the requirements of applicants are subject to change at any time based on the needs of the program or the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.  Submitting an application and registration fee is no guarantee of acceptance due to what may be revealed in our background investigation.   
• The MCSO Cadet program is not an "at-risk" program.  We take good kids/young adults, and make them better kids/young adults and more productive members of society. 
• The MCSO Cadet program is a civic-minded program that focuses on introducing it's members to all areas of law enforcement and public safety while serving the Citizens of Maricopa County and it's cities and towns through continuous volunteer work.
• For those Cadets interested in promoting to a position of rank (Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain) will be required to complete a rigorous testing process which will include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Written exam covering multiple topics
  • Writing exercise
  • Physical fitness assessment/testing   
  • Uniform Inspection
  • Oral Board Interview
  • Any additional steps/processes as deemed needed/fit by program Advisors.