The Alton Police Department Cadet program was created in 2006. The program was developed with a dual purpose in mind. The main objective is providing young adults with a law enforcement training program that provides "hands on" work experience in a safe controlled environment. The position also provides a benefit to the Police Department and the City of Alton in the duties that the Cadets perform. Police Cadets are considered as part-time, non-sworn employees with no legal authority or Police powers.

The police Cadets are selected from the Alton Police Explorer program, they must be at least 18 years of age. Some of the duties that Cadet's perform are marking and towing abandoned vehicles, checking vacation watches, assisting with special events such as the Fourth of July celebration and National Nights Out and parades, as well as enforcing parking ordinances. The Cadets are not assigned to nor can they participate in activities of hazardous nature.

The Police Cadets are easily distinguishable from sworn Police Officers by wearing a different colored uniform and driving a white vehicle that is clearly marked as being a Police Cadet. All Cadets are authorized to participate in the Ride-Along Program on their own time and as approved by the Cadet Supervisor and the appropriate Watch Commander.

The Cadets fall under the Supervision of Sgt. Shane Gibbs in the Support Services division of the Police Department. Sgt. Gibbs who was involved in the initial development of the program, is able to draw on his experience of being a Police Cadet. Prior to being hired as a Police Officer with the Alton Police Department, Sgt. Gibbs worked three years with the Wood River Police Department as a Police Cadet.