(a) Established; Membership. There is hereby created and established, as an integral part of the Police Department, a police cadet program, the number of members of which shall be determined from time to time by Council. The members of the police cadet program shall be appointed by the Mayor.
(b) Qualifications for Membership. Members of the police cadet program shall have the following qualifications:
(1) Be at least eighteen years of age and not older than twenty years and nine months.
(2) Be at least five feet, eight inches tall; no maximum height.
(3) Weight shall be in proportion to height, with a minimum of 135 pounds.
(4) Be at least a high school graduate.
(5) Must be a citizen of the United States, reside in the City of Parkersburg or Wood County at the time of appointment and throughout the duration of employment. The cadet must either be living with parents, guardian, a wife or member of the immediate family or have other housing arrangements approved in advance by the Police Department.
(6) Before appointment, the applicant shall possess a valid automobile operator's license issued by the State.
(7) Applicants over eighteen years of age must present proof of registration with their local draft board. Applicants with prior military service must present military form DD214, indicating an honorable discharge.
(8) Applicants must take and pass an aptitude test, a physical examination, oral interview and a thorough character investigation in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Chief of Police.
(c) Training Program. The Chief of Police shall prescribe and administer a six weeks' training program for all appointees, which shall include history, traditions and rules and regulations of the Police Department, Police Department organization and administration, physical training, human behavior, community relations and police records, reports, uses and procedure.
(d) Duties. Police cadets shall work with other personnel of the Police Department. Following their initial training, the police cadets shall be assigned to the detective bureau, traffic division, uniform division or any other duty designated and determined by the Chief of Police.
(e) Uniform and Powers. Police cadets shall wear distinctive uniforms that will readily identify them as members of the police cadet program. They shall not wear a badge or carry any weapon and shall not have the power to make arrests.
(f) Discharge or Removal. Any cadet may be discharged or removed from the police cadet program by the appointing officer upon written request by the Chief of Police setting forth the grounds for discharge or removal. Notice of discharge or removal of any cadet shall be given to him by letter delivered in person or by United States mail, and a copy of such letter shall be filed with Council.
(g) Membership in Police Department. Any cadet, upon reaching the age of twenty-one years, shall be eligible to advance to the rank of patrolman upon his compliance with the requirements set forth in W. Va. Code Article 8-14. Each cadet, upon reaching the age of twenty- one and one-half years, shall be required to apply for the rank of probationary patrolman in the Police Department in accordance with the provisions of W. Va. Code Article 8-14 or give notice of his intention to resign from the police cadet program on or before attaining the age of twenty- two years.
(Ord. A-2236. Passed 4-27-71.)