For the past 17 summers, the Montreal police force has relied on the help of about 100 cadets, hired to do community-related work, like directing traffic or lending a hand during festivals.

While they don't have arresting power, they often act as the eyes and ears of the force.

Cadets Annie Nguyen and Jean-Simon Durand have done just that, and played an integral role in capturing a suspected sexual predator.

A few weeks ago, Station 44's Commander Pierre Savard asked the cadets to be on the lookout in the Rosemont - La Petite-Patrie area for 30-year-old Yannick Blondeau. Police believe Blondeau may be responsible for at least 20 sexual assaults.

The young cadets took their job seriously.

"We took notes and paid attention the whole day for this individual," said Durand.

On Aug. 5, Nguyen, 20, noticed a man on his bicycle fitting the description of the alleged predator.

"We saw him up close, and the description matched," said Nyugen.

The pair called for back-up and pursued him on foot - no easy task.

"He turned in the park, went to centre of Parc de la Louisianne so we ran after him while giving the information to the dispatcher," said Durand.

Blondeau was arrested, and has been charged with two counts of sexual assault for molesting young women and exposing himself in parks. Police say many more charges are in the works.

"We got a wanted man off the streets," said Nguyen.

While it was likely just a summer gig for Nguyen, who is planning to pursue a career in dentistry, Durand is off to the police academy.

"I hope to have a blue shirt by next year, so obviously it's my role as cadet to do my job as well as possible," he said.

Savard said that if either Durand or Nguyen becomes a full-fledged officer, they're welcome to return to Station 44.

"They've learned to work in their community, and it would be very good for the SPVM to have them," said Savard.