Police Cadet Post holding open house

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NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck Police Department’s Cadet (Explorer) Post is seeking new members.

The post is for students between ages 13 and 17 with an interest in law enforcement and community service. The requirements for the post include completing seventh grade and maintaining passing grades. No criminal activity or negative contact with the police is allowed.

The post is holding an open house May 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the police department, 211 Spring St. Interested teens attending the open house are asked to dress in business casual attire and have a parent or guardian present.

Members of the post participate in meetings that consist of classroom-based work and practical skills to ensure the cadets are learning and capable of putting to use the training needed to attend a summer camp and competitions held throughout the year.

The academy and competitions are designed to give the cadets some experience into a career in law enforcement. Cadets who are active and in good standing will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the department’s Cadet Ride Along Program.

Several Naugatuck officers were once cadets in the program.

“As a member of the post, it provided me an inside knowledge of what the job of being a police officer entails through the ride along program and being involved in actual police training,” wrote Det. Andre Moutela in a letter. “Being involved with the post kept me away from hanging out with ‘the wrong crowd,’ and as a result made be a better person. The post also taught me how important giving back to the community was by being involved in numerous community service events.”