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SALINAS POLICE YOUTH CADETS
Empowering Youth Through Leadership, Service, and Law Enforcement Training
- | Police Explorers
Youth Cadet Program (formerly Explorer Program)
Salinas Police Cadet Program Developing Future Leaders in Public Safety
The Salinas Police Department’s Explorer Program, established in the 1960s, has a rich history of preparing young individuals for roles in law enforcement and public service. One of the program’s early participants, Lt. Yoneyama (now retired), exemplifies its legacy of success. Originally an outgrowth of the Boy Scouts of America and Learning for Life Program, the Explorer Program transitioned in 2024 to become the Salinas Police Cadet Program, designated as Unit #1872. This evolution reflects our commitment to providing enhanced opportunities for participants. The program is proudly supported by the Salinas Police Department, the Police Activities League, and the Public Safety Cadets.
Eligibility and Requirements
To become a Salinas Police Cadet, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 14 years old (participants “age out” on their 21st birthday)
Attend 3–4 meetings or training events consecutively
Pass a thorough background check
Maintain good academic performance if still in high school
Cadets meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Training and Activities
As a cadet, you will gain hands-on experience and firsthand knowledge of the dynamic and evolving environment of a police department. Cadets participate in high-profile community events, including:
The California Rodeo (including parades)
The CA International Airshow
Soledad Fiesta Days
Spirit West Coast
MotoGP at Laguna Seca
Responsibilities at these events often include parking and traffic control, basic security, and providing direct assistance to Salinas Police Department officers or other law enforcement agencies.
Unique Experiences
The Cadet Program also offers exciting opportunities for personal development and camaraderie:
Annual Trips: Past trips have included activities such as paintball, skiing at Dodge Ridge, visiting Magic Mountain, and camping excursions
Competitions: Cadets regularly participate in events like the Central Coast Explorer Competition in Paso Robles, CA, and other rotating regional competitions
Explorer Academy: Each year, Cadets attend a week-long “Explorer Academy” in the San Diego area. This academy provides intensive training and instruction similar to what police recruits experience, offering invaluable preparation for those considering a career in law enforcement
The Salinas Police Cadet Program provides young individuals with the tools, experiences, and mentorship needed to grow as leaders and community contributors. Join us in continuing this proud tradition of excellence and service.
AGES:Â 14-21 years old
SIGN UPS:Â Sign-ups are held year-round
LOCATION:
Salinas Police Department
312 E. Alisal St.
CONTACT:
Yanine Velazquez
Email | SPOT@ci.salinas.ca.us
Phone | (831) 758-7094
- | Community Police Academy
Community Police Academy
The Salinas Police Department’s Community Police Academy is set to relaunch in 2025, following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. This revitalized program reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering stronger connections between the police department and the community we serve.
The academy is designed to provide participants with a broad understanding of law enforcement and our department’s operations. Topics may include areas such as: organizational structure, K-9 operations, field procedures, specialized units, laws of arrest, investigations, and crime scene evidence processing.
Participants will have opportunities to engage with hands-on activities, which may include ride-alongs, demonstrations of crime scene investigations, interactive scenarios, and insights into specialized units like SWAT and K-9. These experiences aim to offer a behind-the-scenes look into policing and build a deeper appreciation for the complexities of law enforcement.
Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to resume this valuable community program!
Get Ready to Join the Community Academy in 2025!
We are not yet accepting applications for the Community Police Academy at this time, but we encourage those interested to prepare for when the application process opens.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live or work in Salinas, or be involved in a community-based organization that serves Salinas residents. Additionally, applicants should not be on probation or parole and must have no recent felonies on their record. Class size has generally been limited to 25–30 participants, so once the application process opens, we recommend submitting your application promptly.
We look forward to welcoming you to the next Academy and appreciate your interest in fostering a safer, stronger community!
English
Spanish
- | National Night Out
National Night Out
Annual National Night Out Celebration
Join over 38 million neighbors across thousands of communities around the nation for the annual National Night Out celebration, an annual community – building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
National Night Out takes place in August every year to celebrate the neighborhoods throughout the city of Salinas. National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event sponsored nationally by the National Association of Town Watch.Â
The Focus of National Night Out:
Raise awareness about crime and drug prevention.
Support local anti-crime efforts.
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
Show criminals that neighborhoods are united and vigilant.
National Night Out brings neighbors together to share ideas, build connections, and support law enforcement by recognizing and reporting suspicious activity. When communities work together, they become safer and stronger.
Participants are encouraged to turn on outdoor lights, lock their doors, and spend the evening with neighbors and police. Events can include potlucks, BBQs, block parties, games, or even planning a Neighborhood Watch program. Be creative, have fun, and get to know your community.
Join us this year for a memorable National Night Out!
Register to Host a Resource Table, Booth, and/or Activity at a Salinas Recreation Center
If your organization would like to provide community members with resources by tabling, hosting a booth, and/or hosting an activity at one of these recreation centers, please register with anticipation.
Register to Host a Neighborhood Celebration
If you would like to host a block party in your neighborhood, you can obtain more information by contacting us.
Enjoy a fun night out with family, friends, and neighbors. Register your neighborhood block, group, and/or watch to have local police and fire personnel visit your block party or gathering.
- | Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch
What is a Neighborhood Watch program?
A typical Neighborhood Watch block extends from intersection to intersection, both sides of the street. It not only breaks down the barriers and brings neighbors together, but it has proven to reduce crime in an area.
The neighbors are invited to attend a presentation put on by the Salinas Police Outreach Team (SPOT). The presentation is on residential and vehicle security, personal safety, and an overview of what the Salinas Police Department offers its citizens. Neighborhood Watch signs are then posted to identify the block.
At Your First Meeting
Define the boundaries of your Neighborhood Watch based on natural geography and visibility/surveillance capabilities. Groups that are too large make it difficult for neighbors to know one another. Large groups also make it difficult for information to flow smoothly and quickly to all residents.
Select a Neighborhood Watch captain for your group. This volunteer will be a liaison between the police department and your neighborhood. The captain should coordinate about 15 households.
Residents need to keep their captain posted on neighborhood occurrences. The captain, in turn, needs to keep other area captains informed. This will allow information to travel quickly and efficiently between Watch groups. The block captain should prepare a map listing the names, addresses, telephone numbers and vehicles belonging to each residence in their Neighborhood Watch. All residents are encouraged to participate in Operation Identification and to post the reflective warning stickers on their front door, patio door and garage door. After a Neighborhood Watch is established, a street-size Neighborhood Watch sign can be put up at the entrance to your neighborhood or block. Signs are available for a nominal cost and the City of Salinas will install them.
Block Captains
Because awareness and involvement are the keys to a successful program, keeping interest high and continuing the group’s crime prevention education must be a primary focus of all participants. Duties include:
- Schedule two neighborhood get-togethers a year.
- Act as a liaison between homeowners and the Police Department.
- Invite a representative from the Police Department to address the group on such topics as personal safety, child safety, and G.R.E.A.T.
- Invite a firefighter to address the group and the children of the neighborhood on fire prevention and fire safety.
- Encourage Operation Identification.
- Greet and welcome new neighbors. Invite them to be part of your Watch.
- Disseminate information to neighbors such as crime patterns in the area. Also, let others know about neighbors who are on vacation or attending a function listed in the newspaper such as a wedding or funeral.
Neighborhood Watch Members
- Be alert to suspicious activity and report it immediately by dialing 911. Inform the Watch Captain and nearby neighbors of the occurrence.
- Attend neighborhood meetings.
- Talk to your children about Neighborhood Watch.
- Secure your home and personal property.
- Make your home look occupied.
- Use exterior lighting during the evening and light timers throughout the day.
- Participate in Operation Identification.
- Keep garage doors closed and remove personal items from vehicle.
- Keep vehicles locked.
- Have a neighbor pick up your newspaper when you are away and ask them to park in your driveway overnight.
- Tell a neighbor and the block coordinator if you plan to be away so that special attention can be given to your home.
How you can get started
No one person or law enforcement agency can be aware of every situation that occurs in a neighborhood at all times. That’s why neighbors are the best defense against crime! To help build strong neighborhood crime prevention networks, the Salinas Police Department sponsors Neighborhood Watch.
Crime and the opportunity for crime go hand-in-hand. Neighborhood Watch reduces the opportunity for crime in your neighborhood. By implementing basic crime prevention techniques, watching out for one another and reporting suspicious activity to police, neighbors create a unified front against crime. This increases the risk to criminals and decreases the likelihood that a criminal will be successful.
Organizing a Watch Group
Contact the Salinas Police Department to arrange a Neighborhood Watch meeting in your neighborhood. The Police Department encourages you to hold Watch meetings in your neighborhood. Meetings can be in a living room, garage, or on a deck or back lawn. Meetings are scheduled about one month in advance and are held Monday through Thursday evenings. Special arrangements can be made for weekend meetings. The Police Department will also prepare and provide flyers for distribution to your neighbors, ensuring the event is well-organized and supported.
- | Cops and Conversations
Cops and Conversations (Coffee with a Cop)
We pride ourselves on innovative and meaningful dialogue and activities with our community.
In 2025, the Salinas Police Department modified “Coffee with a Cop” to a more comprehensive initiative to benefit our community.
“Cops and Community Connections – Building Bridges, One Conversation at a Time” is an initiative created by our Salinas Police Outreach Team (SPOT) designed to strengthen the bond between law enforcement officers and the community we serve. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we can create a safer, more united community for all.
What We Do
The Salinas Police Outreach Team (SPOT) leads the way in creating positive change. With a focus on youth and adult programs, SPOT fosters meaningful relationships and provides essential support throughout the community. Whether it’s through mentorship, educational initiatives, or fun events, SPOT plays a vital role in bridging gaps and building trust.
Join Us
Casual Conversations
Community members can meet local officers in relaxed, informal settings.
We collaborate and partner with local groups on cleanups, sports events, and more.
We join local festivals and host events that showcase Salinas’ diversity and offerings.
- | Law Enforcement Officers Safety Acts
Police/Community Advisory Committee (PCAC)
Vision Statement
The Vision of the Police/Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) is to be a positive force in assuring that the City of Salinas is where all citizens can live peacefully and achieve their social, economic and educational goals.
Mission Statement
PCAC Members
Mayor’s Appointee – Yolanda Cervantes      Â
District 1 – MacGregor Eddy
District 2 – Rogelio Perez
District 3 – Lea Miller
District 4 – Leo De La Rosa
District 5 – Asya Guillory
District 6 – Gabriela Manzo
The Mission of the Police/Community Advisory Committee is to act as a conduit between the community and the Police Department to improve the quality of life by keeping the City Council and Police Chief informed and by engaging in projects that support and enhance the effectiveness of the Police Department.
The Police/Community Advisory Committee meets every 4th Wednesday of every month at 5 pm in the City Rotunda. The public is welcome to attend our meetings. PCAC Minutes and agendas are available here.
PCAC members may be contacted via email at pcac@ci.salinas.ca.us.
AGES:Â 14-21 years old
SIGN UPS:Â Sign-ups are held year-round
LOCATION:
Salinas Police Department
312 E. Alisal St.
CONTACT:
Yanine Velazquez
Email | SPOT@ci.salinas.ca.us
Phone | (831) 758-7094
Quick Connect for Questions
In this Section
Coffee with a Cop
Call (831) 758-7289 to schedule.
Neighborhood Watch
Call (831) 758-7090 to coordinate a neighborhood watch team.Â
National Night Out
Registration to Host at National Night Out
Community Police Academy
Download English Registration Form for Community Academy
Download Spanish Registration Form for Community Academy
Police/Community Advisory Committee
All minutes and agendas for PCAC meetings may be downloaded here.
Police Explorers/Police Cadets
CONTACT:
Yanine Velazquez
Email | SPOT@ci.salinas.ca.us
Phone | (831) 758-7094
Do you still have questions? Please go to our FAQ section.