The American Legion

“Our program is not meant for couch potatoes! We physi- cally train the cadets every morning and our class runs a How to start a 9-mile graduation run. Not bad for a six-day program! We provide to the cadets many classes, such as SWAT, K-9, Youth Cadet building search, active shooter, high risk stops, alcohol/ drugs, nutrition, Americanism, citizenship, truth behind Law Enforcement the badge, taser and more! During the week-long pro- gram, each cadet submits a 1,500-word biography, so we Program will know the background of the cadet and how to help them become successful during the week.” Sgt. Dan Palmer, director, The American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy, Department of Arizona

The American Legion Americanism Division “It is a world-class program, one of which we are enor- P.O. Box 1055 mously proud - a program that has the potential to Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317) 630-1204 change lives. It is a serious, rigorous and intense week, [email protected] including physical training, drill and ceremonies, motor vehicle and penal code instruction, emergency vehicle www.legion.org /youthlaw Artwork # 216ACY0820 operations at the Consumer Reports test track, weapons Follow The American Legion online: training at the state police range in Simsbury, and leader- www.legion.org/facebook ship/obstacle course training.” @AmericanLegion Jack Monahan, treasurer, Department of Connecticut,

and staff member, Connecticut State Police Youth Week This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Stock# 22-012 The American Legion YOUTH CADET LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Other departments that can be contacted for information concerning their current program are: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Min- nesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont and Virginia. CURRICULUM AND DURATION Program content may vary from state to state. PROGRAM GOAL munity is charged with presenting a program that Most programs will include physical fitness train- will instill an understanding and respect for law ing coupled with classroom instruction and hands- American Legion departments and posts are en- enforcement professionals and their techniques. on training. Topics of instruction may include couraged to sponsor Youth Cadet Law Enforcement criminal law, constitutional law, patrol procedures, programs in cooperation with their state police or QUALIFICATIONS criminal investigation procedures, traffic crash highway patrol. While some departments use names investigation, evidence gathering techniques, ar- The program is available to all high school stu- such as Trooper Week Program, Law Enforcement rest techniques, taking fingerprints, testifying in dents who have completed their junior year of Training or State Police Youth Week, it is recom- court, public speaking, leadership skills, vehicle high school and are in good academic standing. mended for recognition and branding purposes operating procedures, report writing, interviewing They should be of good moral character and pos- to use “Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program” techniques, crisis intervention, use of control and sess a desire to learn more about the law enforce- which is consistent with Resolution 30 of the Spring firearms training. 2014 National Executive Committee, which states, ment profession. Their high school should rec- "Change the name of The American Legion Junior ommend students who meet these qualifications Most programs are conducted in the summer and Law Cadet Program to The American Legion Youth to Legion posts who are sponsoring the Youth last about a week. Cadet Law Enforcement Program." Cadet Law Enforcement Program. The program provides first-hand experiences and APPLICATION PROCESS insight into the operations of law enforcement HOW TO START A PROGRAM Departments and/or posts should develop ap- agencies. The program also affords these highly Interested Legionnaires are asked to work with plications and a process to select, approve and motivated young people an opportunity to consider their department to select contacts who will initi- place students into this program. State police or law enforcement as a potential career choice. ate such a program. Contact your state police or highway patrol agencies should be contacted to Recruitment of high school students, both male highway patrol about the feasibility of starting assist in or develop the course curriculum. Physi- and female, representing all communities and such a program in your state. Once an agreement cal fitness certifications from a physician may be backgrounds in the state, is one goal of the pro- has been obtained, develop your curriculum, ap- required of applicants. Release of liability forms gram. Once participants have been selected to plication process and dates of your first program. may also be required. attend the program, the law enforcement com-