The first Cadet Corps of the Force had its beginning as early as 1969. Just about all of the Cadets in this initial programme were too young to be fully admitted as a Recruit. As Cadet, however, they were able to understudy fully-fledged officers concerning police work until they attained the required age. This programme not only prepared potential Recruits for a career in law enforcement, but also kept candidate interested in the policing field until they attained the required age. By 1971, however, the programme was discontinued when most of the persons interested in joining the Force met the required age. In order to become a Cadet, the candidate had to first complete a short two month Cadet Training programme at Police Headquarters. During this time, the candidates were taught the basics of police work including uniform, deportment, drill and official ceremonies. Upon successful completion, they were considered official Police Cadets. They wore the Casual (Depot) Dress distinguished by a slimmer stripe along each side if the regulation pants with the letter "C" (for Cadet) in front of their Cadet numerals. They also wore the regular police cap as opposed to the police beret worn by Cadet today.
The Cadets worked at various stations for monthly attachments where they were required to finish a 40 hour week, Monday through Friday, with a weekly salary. Although primarily in an observer role, Cadets were from time to time allowed to take witness statements and participate in crowd control at annual Junkanoo Parades and other large public gatherings. Many of these first batches of Cadets became successful police officers, some of whom are still on the Force today. A new Cadet Corps programme began with a somewhat different focus under the command of Inspector Henry Weymss. A ceremony formally launching the scheme was held at the Police College, Oakes Field on Wednesday September 28, 1988. Among the officials in attendance were the Minister responsible for the Force, The. Hon. Paul Adderley, Commissioner, Bernard K.. Bonaby and Deputy Commissioner, Keith Mason. Filling the College Auditorium were 25 new Cadet, their parents, relatives and well-wishers.
Five months prior to the occasion, the senior police officials embarked on a campaign in local high schools to promote the developing initiative. The programme was also promoted through the media airways and proved to be a success as students applied in large numbers. Addressing the audience at the programme's official launching, Minister Adderley noted that one of the main objectives was to attract high-school students interested in becoming police officers, as opposed to persons who may have already left school and simply sought enlistment as a last resort. He further explained that there was a vast amount of professional training and knowledge needed to run as efficient Force including lawyers, scientist and technicians as he encouraged the Cadets to explore non-traditional policing fields for the agency's benefit (Wemyss, 1988)
Cadets served for two years and worked 18 hours per week, 3 of which had to be spent at the Police College for educational subject at the General Certificate of Education or 'O' level. Six hours were allocated to attachments at various stations and 9 hours on Saturdays for training in drill, first aid, life-saving, swimming, police duties and community service. The programme was also designed to work in a synchronization with the regular school year and did not conflict with regular school hours. During the summer months, a 2-week period would be devoted to outdoor/adventure training and participation in an American Summer Camp. One of the immediate benefits was that the Cadets became a role model in their schools as fellow students held the discipline and attitude of the Force in esteem.
Initially operating out of offices at Police Headquarters, the Corps soon fell under the jurisdiction of the Community Relations Department for a number of years, which was commanded by Allerdyce Strachan. After operating out of the Police Headquarters compound, the Corps moved to the Police College in 1996 and fell under the Commandant's remit. Today, the programme is directly headed by a manager who reports to the College's Commandant.
