Hickory Police Cadet Program
Hickory Police Cadet Program
In Partnership with App State Hickory and Catawba Valley Community College
Ready to craft your career in law enforcement? The Hickory Police Cadet Program provides a clear pathway from college to a career with North Carolina's premier law enforcement agency.
Beginning Fall 2026, the Hickory Police Department (HPD) is partnering with Appalachian State University–Hickory (App State Hickory) and Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) to offer an innovative Police Cadet Program designed to prepare and guide the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
This program provides App State students with a structured, hands‑on pathway to becoming a sworn officer with the Hickory Police Department, one of the most respected and community‑focused agencies in North Carolina.
As a Hickory Police Cadet, you will:
- Gain real‑world, paid experience working alongside HPD officers and staff
- Receive mentorship, skill‑building opportunities, and exposure to the department’s operations
- Prepare for Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) with confidence
- Build a strong understanding of HPD’s culture, policies, and community‑policing philosophy
- Follow a clear, supported advancement path toward full‑time employment
HPD is rooted in the belief that strong relationships create safe, thriving communities. Guided by the motto — Every Person. Every Call. Every Day. — HPD officers serve with integrity, respect, and dedication. The Police Cadet Program reflects this commitment by investing in students who want to make a meaningful difference.
This program allows you to begin shaping your law enforcement career immediately — with the training, support, and purpose that set HPD apart.
For more information, visit www.hickorync.gov/police or contact the HPD Recruiting Sergeant at (828) 261-2699.
FAQs
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Appalachian State University (preference given to students at App State Hickory). A valid Class C driver’s license is required.
Interested students must apply during their sophomore year and begin the Cadet program at the start of their junior year.
Cadets must have no felony convictions and must successfully complete a background check, polygraph, psychological assessment, drug screening, and physical examination.
Cadets must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and comply with all Hickory Police Department policies and procedures.
This is a part-time position with the Hickory Police Department.
Cadets work 10–20 hours per week, depending on scheduling needs, for a maximum of 999 part‑time hours per year.
Cadets earn $23.75 per hour.
Cadets serve in the Hickory Police Department’s Support Services Division (Community Response Unit) as unarmed, uniformed security aides. They patrol parks, trails, downtown areas, and other assigned locations; conduct security checks; and report issues to the appropriate authorities. Cadets maintain radio communication with HPD Communications, complete required electronic reports, and investigate traffic crashes in accordance with state guidelines. They interact regularly with the public and City staff, providing information, answering questions, and coordinating as needed throughout their shift.
The role involves regular standing and walking, with occasional light lifting. Cadets also participate in physical training activities.
Cadets work both indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to cold or inclement weather.
Cadets complete in‑service training relevant to their assigned duties. When eligible, cadets will apply to Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) through Catawba Valley Community College.