San Diego Junior Cadet Applications Close October 30: Police Program for Grades 6–8 Expands to Three Locations

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — October 29, 2026. Families of middle school students have until Friday, October 30 to apply for the San Diego Police Department’s Junior Cadet Program, a year-round youth initiative that has expanded to three locations. The program is intended for students in grades six through eight, according to an October 22 announcement from the department.

Who can apply and what the program offers

SDPD’s Community & Youth Services Division says Junior Cadets participate in activities focused on leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, community service and developing positive relationships with fellow students and police officers. The program is designed to build confidence and responsibility through practical experiences rather than a one-time Halloween or school-break event.

Families can choose among three locations with meetings on different days. The department says the specific addresses and schedules are provided in the application. Parents should check that information before selecting a location, rather than assume that every site meets at the same time.

How to apply before the deadline

Confirm that the interested student is in grade 6, 7 or 8.
Review the application linked by SDPD for the location, meeting day and required information.
Submit the application by October 30, 2026; the announcement does not specify an exact cutoff hour.
For questions about the official announcement, contact SDPD Community & Youth Services through the department or the media contact listed in the release.

The police announcement does not state that every applicant will be accepted, provide a complete site-by-site schedule in the release itself or make a blanket promise about program costs. Families should rely on the application for current participation terms.

Why the expansion matters locally

A choice of three meeting locations may make participation easier for students whose transportation and after-school commitments differ by neighborhood. This is a youth-development opportunity, not an application to become a sworn police officer. Students interested in public service can explore community work and collaborative projects while continuing their regular middle school education.

Official source: San Diego Police Department news release, October 22, 2026 (PDF). Follow San Diego local news for community updates.

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