2025 PAL Summer Cadet Program Application

This document cannot be partially completed or saved. Please read and review the full application before you begin. You will need to allow plenty of time to fill out the application completely to submit to SFPAL. All applicants are encouraged to complete the online application.

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PAL Cadet Participant Information

Last Name: *

First Name: *

Middle Name:

Street Address: *

City: *

Zip Code: *

San Francisco Police Activities League

PAL Law Enforcement Cadet Program:

2025 SUMMER CADET ACADEMY

Completed applications are due by 5:00 pm, Friday, May 2nd, 2025 (No Exceptions)

Please consider attending one of our virtual information sessions before submitting your application:

Wednesday, March 26 from 5:00pm:6:00pm or online Saturday, March 29 from 10:00am-11:00am

PAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CADET PROGRAM

The PAL Cadet program has been in continuous operation for half a century and has provided opportunities for growth and leadership for thousands of San Francisco youth, including many who have chosen to pursue law enforcement or public service careers. The program operates year-round and meets regularly to provide ongoing training and community service opportunities for PAL Cadets ages 14-20 years old.

The program has four goals for Cadet Participants:

Engage in program activities centered on five emphasis areas of learning that include: Career opportunities and job skills development; Life skills; Citizenship; Character education and Leadership experience

Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and have the opportunity to take on leadership roles.

Have a chance to learn and grow in a fun, supportive, and caring environment.

Gain practical experience and knowledge about careers in law enforcement and public service.

SUMMER CADET ACADEMY & INTERNSHIPS

New participants must commit to the following for the next year beginning in June 2025:

Complete and graduate from the 4-week PAL Summer Cadet Academy: June 9th-July 2rd, 9:00 am -2:00 pm
Participate in an internship program at SFPD stations or bureaus (approximately 4-6 hours per month) during the school year
Attend ongoing training and/or community service (approximately 4-6 hours per month)

After the first year, PAL Cadets are encouraged to continue in the program to gain new leadership and career experiences through internships, community service, and continuing learning until they reach the age of 21.

The Summer Cadet Academy will accept approximately 30 new PAL Cadets and provide training modeled after the basic training academy for new police recruits. The Summer Cadet Academy is designed to give PAL Cadets enhanced hands-on job skills and leadership development experience through proper preparation and training. In addition to the classroom, training Cadets are required to perform significant physical training as part of the Summer Academy. Participants should be in good physical condition.

The SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet Summer Academy is a collaborative program between the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the San Francisco Police Activities League (PAL.) Graduates of the Summer Cadet Academy will be placed in an internship at an SFPD District Station and/or SFPD Bureau. Through these internships, PAL Cadets will have the opportunity to gain job and career skills in a structured environment supervised by police officers and will participate in police ride-along, help at SFPD district station community events, and assist with SFPD station activities as requested. Once a part of the program, participants can continue after the specified year commitment as long as they are in good standing and eligible or until age 21.

Age 14-20
Must complete an SFPD background check (criminal history and driving record, if applicable.)
Be currently enrolled as a student in a high school or college program
Have and maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:

Meet all eligibility requirements above
Agree to participate in the Cadet program for AT LEAST a full year (June 2025-May 2026)
Demonstrate a commitment to program goals and requirements
Provide a personal statement and recommendations

UNIFORM AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES:

A one-time total cost of $450 is required to cover clothing, uniform, and administrative costs for as long as you participate in the program, the first year, and beyond. This includes:

A one-time $100.00 fee will be paid to cover the Summer Cadet Academy costs (Summer Cadet Academy polo shirt and physical training t-shirt, shorts, and cap). Payment is due upon acceptance to the program. Participants must purchase their uniform khaki pants, black belts, and black boots.

A one-time cost of $350 to purchase your PAL Cadet complete uniform and contribute to program administrative costs. This fee will be due after acceptance to the program. A hardship fee waiver is available upon request.

Participants keep all PAL Cadet clothing/uniform purchased but must return their SFPD-issued star/badge upon completion of the program.

For questions, please contact Ofc. Thomas Sweeney at thomas.p.sweeney@sfgov.org or call 415-401-4666.

APPLICATIONS DUE:

Completed applications must be received (via mail, in person, or by email) at the SFPAL office no later than 5:00 pm Friday, May 2nd, 2025. (Applicants will be notified no later than May 23rd.) Any incomplete applications will not be considered.

Home Phone: *

Cell Phone: *

Does this cell phone receive text messages? *

Email address: *

Age as of 06/01/2025: *

Date of Birth(mm/dd/yyyy): *

Gender: *

School: *

Grade (HS) or year (college) (2024-2025 school year): *

Grade Point Average: *

Driver's License or California State ID# (if applicable):

Polo-Shirt Size: *

T-Shirt Size: *

Gym Short Size: *

Have you participated in any SFPAL programs in the past? If so, which ones and when? *

How did you learn about the Cadet program? *

Personal Health and Medical Form

Participant Last Name *

Participant First Name *

Address/ City and Zip Code *

Cell Phone *

Does this cell receive text messages? *

Email *

Age at the time entering the program / Date of Birth *

*

Male

Female

In case of an emergency please notify

First and Last Name *

Relationship *

Address *

Contact Phone *

Preferred Hospital / Medical Clinic *

Medical History

Date of last physical examination * +

Are you aware of any current health problems? *

Yes

No

Are you now under medical care or taking medications? *

Yes

No

Have you had any surgery, injury, illness, allergy or change in health status since the last complete physical examination? *

Yes

No

Has it ever been necessary to restrict the applicant's activities for any medical reason? *

Yes

No

Does the applicant have a learning disability? *

Yes

No

Please check any conditions that may apply *

Provide details to items checked above *

Are there any other medical, learning, attention or other concerns that we should be aware of that might in any way impact the Cadet's participation in the program? *

List any medications being taken by the participant *

In the event of illness or injury occurring to my son or daughter while involved in this SF PAL summer cadet academy or activity, I consent to X-ray examination, anesthesia, and /or medical or surgical diagnostic procedures or treatment considered necessary in the best judgment of the attending physician and performed by or under the supervision of a member of the medical staff of the hospital furnishing medical services. It is understood that in the event of a serious illness or injury, reasonable efforts to reach me will be attempted.

Insurance Company *

Policy and Group Number *

Personal Physician *

Telephone # of physician *

Parental Statement

To the best of my knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate and complete. I give my written consent for full participation in the SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet/ Learning for Life programs, subject to limitation(s) noted herein. In the event of illness or accident in the course of such activity, I request that measures be taken without delay of the judgment as medical personnel dictates.

Parent/ Guardian Signature and Date *

clear

Applicant's Signature and Date *

clear

Parents or guardians must read the statement below before approving application. Participants 18 and over to sign themselves.

Pal Cadet Program

The Summer Cadet Academy is a course with classroom and practical training. The academy meets at the San Francisco Police Academy, except for visiting the ropes course in Daly City. Following the Summer Academy, PAL Cadets will meet regularly at weekly meetings/trainings, station internships and community service activities where they will be interacting with the public. While we will make reasonable efforts to plan and supervise a safe activity, by the nature of participating in the below-listed activities, it is not without risk.

Acknowledgment of Risks

This is a partial list of possible hazards of participating in this activity. Most of these injuries are rare, however, some have occurred and you need to know about them. Activities may be strenuous and will include: running approximately 1 mile on various terrain, calisthenics, defensive tactics, drill and facing movements, a police-style physical agility test, lighting traffic flares, searching for evidence and lost victims at a city park. These activities could cause the participant with a variety of injuries. Strenuous activities may cause shortness of breath, strained or pulled muscles, dislocated joints, or broken bones. Fire and flares can cause great bodily harm if someone is directly exposed to fire or flares. While participating in the search and rescue activities, participants may be exposed to poison oak. Exposing oneself to the natural elements can cause loss or damage to equipment, injury, illness, or in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death.

Agreement

I hereby approve and agree to all of the terms and conditions and certify that this Cadet can meet the health and physical fitness requirements of the post-trip and activity.

Waiver of Claims

In consideration of the benefits derived from participants in this post-trip or activity, any and all claims against the San Francisco Police Activities League, the San Francisco Police Department, or against the officers, employees, agents, or other representatives of any of them, or any other persons working under their direction or engaged in the conduct of their affairs, arising out of any accident, injury, damage, or other loss or harm to/ or incurred or suffered by the applicant named above or to his or her property, in connection with or incidental to the event or activity, including preliminary training and travel, are hereby expressly waived by the applicant and the applicant's family or guardian.

Parent/ Guardian Signature and Date *

clear

Relationship to Participant *

Personal Statement

Last Name: *

First Name: *

This statement was written by the person stated above: *

Yes

Upload the following brief essay: Please share why you are interested in becoming a PAL Law Enforcement Cadet and how you believe you will contribute to and benefit from the program. (250 word minimum).

Many of PAL's funders and supporters require PAL to report demographic information on our participants. While optional, we would appreciate any information you can provide to help us in this regard. (This information is confidential and not mandatory and has no impact on selection.)

Ethnicity: All that apply

Language(s) spoken at home:

Income Level(annual household income):

PAL Cadets Parent Contact Information

Parent/Guardian 1:

Relationship to Participant: *

Mother

Father

Guardian

Other Other

Last Name: *

First Name: *

Street Address(if different from participant):

City:

Zip Code:

Home Phone: *

Cell Phone: *

Email address: *

Parent/ Guardian 2 (if applicable):

Relationship to Participant:

Mother

Father

Guardian

Other: Other:

Last Name:

First Name:

Street Address(if different from participant):

City:

Zip Code:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:

Email address:

Firearms Safety Participation Waiver

As part of the SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet training, a course in firearms safety is offered. SFPAL and the SFPD Academy staff feel this class is extremely important because your son or daughter will be participating in programs where they are continuously around firearms. Firearms are most dangerous in the hands of individuals who are not acquainted with approved safety practices and with the consequences of abusing them.

The firearms safety course in the Academy consists of classroom familiarity with approved safety practices, firing range rules, and an explanation of how firearms work. (Note: Participants will NOT be firing weapons). The course stressed the legal and moral obligations concerning firearms and is designed to increase the student's respect for firearms. Recruits will always be under the supervision of regular Police Officers trained in firearm safety.

By signing below, I certify that I have read the above and:

*

Do NOT wish my son/ daughter to participate in the firearms portion of this class.

Do wish my son/ daughter to participate in the firearms portion of this class.

Release and Hold Harmless

I *

do hereby allow my son/ daughter,

to participate in the firearms safety training offered as part of the Summer Cadet Academy.

This request is for participant's recreation, enjoyment and education. In requesting so, I, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, or assigns, hereby release and hold harmless SFPAL and SFPD staff, their agents, employees, assigns, and officers from any and all liabilities or damages resulting from any inquiry, including death, to the person of my son/ daughter resulting from the use of the range and appurtenant facilities owned and operated by the City of San Francisco.

Parent/ Guardian Signature or Participant (18 or older) and date *

clear

San Francisco Police Activities League Media Waiver Form

By signing below, I give my consent to the San Francisco Police Activities League (SFPAL) to use the student's name, comments, photograph, and likeness in order to promote the PAL Law Enforcement Cadet Program. I understand that the cadet may be photographed or videotaped. I understand that the cadet may be called upon by journalist to answer questions about his or her involvement in the PAL/ SFPD Summer Cadet Academy and PAL Law Enforcement Cadet Program, and I will also allow the student to speak to any media via phone or in person.

I certify that I am (check one) *

Cadet Participant (over age 18) with the right to give consent.

Legal Guardian of the Cadet Participant (under age 18) with the right to give consent.

Cadet Name *

Cadet Signature and Date *

clear

Parent/ Guardian Name *

Parent/ Guardian Signature and Date *

clear

PAL Summer Cadet Academy and Internship Program Statement of Expectations

The SFPAL Law Enforcement Cadet program has provided youth with leadership and community service opportunities and job development skills for half a century. The Academy is modeled after a basic police academy and stresses discipline, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. The Summer Cadet Academy is operated by SFPD and law enforcement officials. The Summer Cadet Academy’s day-to-day operations are governed by an operations manual that establishes policies and procedures that include provisions for the Academy’s attendance requirements, discipline, accountability, and expectations. You are required to read, understand, and abide by these policies. Please read the following summary of expectations and check the box as acknowledgment/agreement:

Upon acceptance to the Summer Cadet Academy, I agree to complete the SFPD background check process, a personal health and medical form, firearms participation waiver and release, event participation waiver, and a parent/guardian and participant approval(if under18). *

Accept

The Academy is four weeks long. You shall arrive at the Academy insufficient time to prepare yourself for inspection and to prepare books and equipment prior to formation. You are required to have arranged transportation to and from each session. *

Accept

You are allowed ONLY ONE EXCUSED absence, which does NOT include the first day. *

Accept

You will be expected to take direction from adult law enforcement officials. The staff enforces the Academy’s rules and regulations and can administer discipline in accordance with the PAL Summer Cadet Academy Rules. *

Accept

You will pay a non-refundable fee of $100 for the Summer Cadet Academy to cover clothing and administrative costs and $350 for your PAL Cadet uniform and badge which you will wear for all cadet activities for as long as you are in the program. *

Accept

You will be required to be on time, pay attention in class, participate in scenarios, physical training, demonstrations, firearms training, and rescue techniques. Physical training includes running, calisthenics, defensive tactics, and an obstacle course. Reasonable accommodations are made for disabilities or injuries. *

Accept

You will be held accountable for demonstrating a mature and responsible attitude. Failure to comply with this spirit can result in your dismissal from the Academy. *

Accept

You will agree to participate in an internship in an SFPD station or bureau upon graduation from the 2024 Summer Cadet Academy. *

Accept

You will be expected to complete community service hours by performing volunteer duty in SFPD stations as well as participating in the ongoing PAL Cadet Program training and meetings throughout 2024-2025. *

Accept

Please note: YOU MUST ATTACH THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS (PDF) TO COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

If for any reason you cannot attach a PDF, you can mail/deliver a hard copy to the SFPAL office - HOWEVER, ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. If sent by postal mail an email will be sent, as the receipt of the items. If you must mail/deliver hard copies, they must be addressed/delivered to San Francisco Police Activities League, 350 Amber Drive, San Francisco, CA 94131

Most Recent Report Card/GPA *

Complete

PDF of Report Card: *

Two Letters of Recommendation *

Complete

PDF of Letter of Recommendation #1: *

PDF of Letter of Recommendation #2: *

Registration Payment Information

A one-time, total cost of $450 is required to cover clothing, uniform and administrative costs for as long as you participate in the program, the first year and beyond. This includes:

One-time $100.00 fee paid to cover the Summer Cadet Academy costs (Summer Cadet Academy polo shirt and physical training t-shirt, shorts and cap.) Payment is due upon acceptance to the program. Participants must purchase their own uniform khaki pants, black belt, and black boots.
A one-time cost of $350 to purchase your PAL Cadet complete uniform and contribute to program administrative costs. This fee will be due after acceptance to the program. A hardship fee waiver is available upon request.
Accepted method of payment: check, money order, PayPal or credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
Payment due at the time of registration.

Pay Regististration Now

IF YOU WISH TO RETAIN A COPY OF THE COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION FOR YOUR RECORDS, PRINT NOW BEFORE CLICKING ON THE SUBMIT BUTTON BELOW.

If for any reason you cannot attach a PDF, you can mail/deliver a hard copy to the SFPAL office - HOWEVER, ONLINE APPLICATIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. If sent by postal mail an email will be sent, as the receipt of the items. If you must mail/deliver hard copies, they must be addressed/delivered to: San Francisco Police Activities League, 350 Amber Drive, San Francisco, CA 94131

Please note that INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS without the required attachments WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED for admittance to the program.

African-American	Filipino
Latino/Hispanic	American Indian
Japanese	Pacific Islander
Caucasian/Other White	Korean
Chinese	South Asian
Other: Other: