New Explorer Cadet Program invites Suquamish youth to see policing up close

New Explorer Cadet Program invites Suquamish youth to see policing up close

For Officer Alicia Barker, the spark started at 16. Growing up in Spokane, Barker didn’t know anyone in law enforcement and assumed a career as a cop was out of reach. That changed when she joined a police Explorer Cadet program as a teenager.

“I realized it was totally different than what I saw on TV,” Barker said. “It was something I truly was passionate about.”

Barker credits that opportunity directly with her now serving as a Suquamish police officer. That’s why she’s helping launch the department’s new Explorer Cadet Program, designed to give youth ages 16 to 21 an inside look at policing while building skills that extend far beyond the badge.

Chairman Leonard Forsman encouraged families to help spread the word. “This is a great opportunity to learn more about policing and a potential career,” said Forsman during a recent presentation on the cadet program.

“I would really like to attract tribal youth to this program because some of the people that we’ll have in this program now are going to be your police officers five ten years from now,” Suquamish Police Chief Mark Williams told Tribal Council.

Council Member Lorilee Morsette encouraged Williams to work with Chief Kitsap Academy, the Family & Friends Center, and other youth-focused programs across tribal government to help spread the word.

“We need more tribal member youth to get in this program,” said Vice Chairman Josh Bagley. “This is a great opportunity.”

Those words of encouragement matter, Barker said, especially in a small community where youth may feel unsure about whether law enforcement is a path for them.

“That’s exactly why this program exists,” she said. “It’s about showing what’s possible.”

Hands-on volunteer work

The Explorer Cadet Program is a volunteer commitment, with meetings held every other Friday for about two hours, plus optional events and ride-alongs. Cadets receive training that includes interview skills, public speaking, and leadership opportunities — skills Barker said she still relies on today.

But the draw for many teens is the hands-on experience.

Cadets can participate in ride-alongs, observe real police work, and train alongside officers in controlled environments. That can include defensive driving exercises, building-search scenarios, and firearms safety and handling. Suquamish Police Cadets will be issued their own unique cadet uniforms and badges.

“What’s fun is getting to see how things really work,” Barker said. “You’re in uniform, you’re training with officers, and you’re learning skills you won’t get anywhere else.”

Cadets also have the option to attend regional Explorer academies that feel more like law-enforcement boot camp than summer camp. Held at the Yakima Training Center, the week-long sessions include early mornings, barracks living, hands-on tactical training, and realistic mock hiring scenarios. “Each time you go, it progresses,” Barker said, from basic training through advanced leadership levels that challenge cadets physically and mentally while building confidence.

Transformative experience

Suquamish Deputy Police Chief Tommy Nance can vouch for that. He started his own law enforcement career as a cadet in Kitsap County that put him on a path toward working for the Suquamish Police Department 25 years ago.

The experience can be transformative, he said, even for youth who never plan to become officers.

“Before I became a cadet, I had zero interest in law enforcement,” Nance said. “That changed once I got involved.”

Barker said many former cadets go on to careers outside policing, carrying with them confidence, discipline, and a deeper connection to their community.

“We’re not here to force anyone into a career,” she said. “We’re here to open doors.”

The Tribal Council’s resolution supporting the program formalizes that commitment.

“We stand united in our commitment to the Suquamish Police Department Police Explorer Cadet program and the goal of cooperative and constructive interactions between Police Officers and our community while building tomorrow’s leaders,” reads Tribal Council’s proclamation. “We call upon all tribal citizens, law enforcement, tribal organizations, health officials and all Tribal programs to speak up in support of and provide encouragement, assistance and guidance to our Suquamish Police.”

Applications are open now, and the department plans additional outreach — including school visits and community events — to help tribal youth learn more. A special Open House will be held at the end of January at the Police Department for youth and parents to learn more.

“This is about investing in our kids,” Williams said. “And investing in the future of this community.”