Philadelphia Police Explorer Cadets
Instilling leadership, integrity, and discipline in the youth of Philadelphia. Prepare for a career in law enforcement and serve your community.
Philadelphia Police Explorers, Post 991
A partnership between the Philadelphia Police Department and Learning for Life to build strong citizen leaders.
Our Goal & Philosophy
The goal of the Police Explorer Cadet Program is to teach young adults the values needed to succeed in a law enforcement career and in life.
The Philadelphia Police Explorer Cadet Program is designed to introduce young adult men and women 14 to 20 years of age interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement to the profession.
Philadelphia Police
Exploring Cadet Post
Self-Discipline
Developing behavioral control, personal responsibility, and strict adherence to moral guidelines.
Self-Confidence
Building physical readiness, public speech capabilities, and peer-leadership confidence.
Self-Respect
Fostering personal pride, absolute civic integrity, and deep respect for peers and authority.
Teamwork & Support
Embodying a dedicated unit focused on collaborative achievements and the desire to help others.
Explorer Cadet Qualifications
Review the exact eligibility requirements established by Post 991 and the Police Department.
Age Requirements
14 to 20 years of age. Applicants who are 14 years of age must be currently enrolled in high school. Minors under 18 must have signed parent/guardian consents.
Language Proficiency
Applicants must be able to speak, understand, read, and write the English language fluently.
Character & School Performance
Must maintain a passing behavior or character grade while in high school to stay in good standing with the Post.
Clean Background Check
Must have no arrests or convictions which would prohibit future employment as a police officer in the PPD.
Physical Health Standards
Must be in good physical health and fully able to participate in strenuous physical agility activities and running drills.
Saturday Session Commitment
Must attend mandatory Saturday training sessions at the Philadelphia Police Academy: Every Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Career Progression
When Cadets reach their 20th birthday and desire to continue in public safety, they are encouraged to participate in the Philadelphia Police recruitment testing process.
Important: Cadets must have reached their 21st birthday at the time of graduating the Philadelphia Police Academy.
Explorer Cadet Training & Camps
Post 991 provides law enforcement training and experience through mentoring, classroom instruction, and hands-on drills.
External Specialized Training
PSP Youth Week
Pennsylvania State Police Youth Week
York College, York PA (June)
An intensive six-day camp sponsored by the American Legion for sophomores and juniors. Designed to introduce cadets to all procedures of law enforcement, preparing them morally, intellectually, and physically to become future leaders of the commonwealth while instilling courage, honor, and commitment.
GAP Summer Camp
Ft. Indiantown Gap Summer Boot Camp
Gap Military Base (July)
Explorers stay for a full week at the military base, receiving intensive specialized training administered by active duty law enforcement, emergency service agencies, and the military. Key modules cover advanced law enforcement procedures alongside fire and water rescue techniques.
DC Tours & Training
Washington DC Educational & Training Tours
Washington D.C. (August)
A prestigious five-day trip offering hand-on training, expert lectures, and educational tours inside federal security bases. Hosts include the Metro Police, US Park Police, US Capitol Police, Secret Service, DEA, FBI, Postal Police, Prince George County PD, and Charles County Sheriff.
Some of the Training Includes
Explorer Cadet Ceremonial Responsibilities
Our cadets are privileged to provide official assistance during many high-profile ceremonies, safety parades, and activities hosted by civic and city agencies:
Official Post Benefits
Review the exact benefits awarded to active explorer cadets by the City and Department.
3 PPD Exam Preference Points
Provides any explorer who completes a minimum of two (2) years of service in the program—which includes 672 hours of training, passing of physical fitness graduation standards, and 298 hours of community service or external training—with three (3) preference points applied directly to the Philadelphia Police Recruit examination scores.
Military Pay Grade Advancement
Provides verified explorer promotional credentials and references that can secure immediate rank elevations and/or pay grade advancements if the Cadet decides to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces.
High School Graduation Service Hours
Earn officially certified community service credits and high school volunteering hours required for district graduation rules and university portfolios.
Physical Agility Test Preparation
Undergo strict physical fitness coaching and conditioning, fully preparing the cadet for standard agility physical assessments utilized by all regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Explorer Post Photo Gallery
A visual showcase of our cadets in active training, academic drills, and public service duties.
Academy Cadet Class
Explorer formation and uniform inspections on the Philadelphia Police Academy main drill deck.
Tactical & Agility Drills
Undergoing intensive law enforcement defense tactics and physical conditioning courses.
Civic Service & Toy Runs
Volunteering with PPD Recruits and charity parades to support families in the Philadelphia area.
Applications
Cadet Recruitment Center — complete our preliminary digital application below, or download official post forms to submit by mail.
Download Paper Application
Prefer traditional paper? You can download the physical explorer application pack, print it, fill out the details with signature consents, and mail it to our State Road office.
Authorized by the Philadelphia Police Recruitment Unit & Learning for Life.
Online Preliminary Application
Register online to expedite your Saturday Post intake process.
Contact Headquarters
Reach out to our post coordinators for scheduling, Saturday schedules, or volunteer requirements.
Post Location
Philadelphia Police Explorer Cadets
8501 State Road
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone Number
(215) 685-8160
Email Support
police.explorers@phila.gov
Explorer Cadet Post
8501 State Road, Phila, PA 19136
(Saturday Intake Academy)
PPD Explorers Control Center
Administrative Console
Recruits Roster
| Date | Candidate Name | School & Grade | GPA | No Arrests | Parent Consent | Interview Status |
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No cadet registrations have been received yet.
Downloadable Forms
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Recruitment Status
Site Images
Home Hero Background
Displayed in the top welcome banner.
PSP Youth Week Card
Pennsylvania State Police York College camp.
Ft. Indiantown Gap Camp
Summer military base boot camp card.
Washington D.C. Tours
Federal agency tours card.
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