Police bring back cadets

Ben Godar

Burbank Police officials hope four young people in tan uniforms will

be the future of the department.

After a 10-year-hiatus, the department has reinstated its cadet

program, which allows selected college students to work part-time at

the station. The program is intended for young people interested in

joining the Burbank department, and in the past, many cadets did.

“For me, it’s what really made me realize I wanted to be a police

officer,” Burbank Lt. Janice Lowers said.

Four cadets -- who wear tan uniforms when they work -- were

selected from more than 20 applicants for the newly- revived

program, and began working in late February. The cadets work 20-hour

weeks and are paid $11.20 to $13.98 per hour. To be eligible for the

program, they must be 18 or older, taking 18 academic credits a year

while maintaining a 2.5 grade-point average.

The program was discontinued after it drifted from its original

intention, with cadets beginning to take jobs away from civilian

employees, Lowers said.

It was reinstated when officials realized talented Burbank youths

were going to other departments to become cadets and eventually

officers.

Scott Rauenswinder, 20, and Nancy Robles, 19, hope to join the

Burbank department when their time as cadets ends. While Rauenswinder

plans to become a sworn officer, Robles said she’s looking at a

civilian position in forensics.

“Everybody thinks the police department is just officers and

detectives, but there’s a lot more to it than that,” she said.

Cadets move through a variety of departments, doing primarily

administrative and clerical work. While the work might sound mundane,

both Rauenswinder and Robles said they are grateful for the

experience.

“It teaches you a lot and gives you an idea what you’re getting

into,” Robles said.

The other members of the cadet class are Neil Gunn, 20, and

Natalie Avedissian, 18.