Cadet Law offers teens a unique experience

A unique opportunity for high school students happens every June at the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy. The Cadet Law Enforcement Academy is held by the Kansas Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Cadet Law is for high school students between their junior and senior years of high school. Currently applications are being accepted for students to attend the program. Cadet Law will run June 13-18 this summer.

The goal of the program is to give young men and women an opportunity to learn more about what a career in law enforcement entails. The duties, training, and discipline that go with these careers are covered. The program teaches high school students a great deal about leadership, and about working as a team.

Throughout the week the cadets follow a rigorous schedule. They will arrive and check in on Sunday afternoon, June 13. During the week students experience a variety of classroom instruction, and some of the real-world activities of a trooper. Cadets go to the firing range, pursuit driving range, fly with KHP pilots, and observe presentations by KHP canine handlers and their four-legged partners. Car stops are practiced, and physical training is a daily ritual. Attention to detail is emphasized throughout the program, ranging from noticing details on car stops to the way cadets make their bed. At the completion of their experience, on Friday, June 18, students have a graduation ceremony their families can attend.

Students are put to the test, and end the week with great enthusiasm and excitement. Patrol troopers act as coaches for the students. American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary representatives are on-hand to witness the week’s events, and to be there should a cadet need assistance.

In order for a student to be eligible to attend the Academy, they must be between their junior and senior years of high school. They also must maintain a C+ average and be determined medically fit to participate in all activities. Students fill out an application to attend, and have to write a brief essay on why they would like to attend. A transcript must be submitted along with their application. The final selection for attendees is done in April when KHP Training Academy personnel meet with American Legion representatives to determine which applicants meet the GPA and medical requirements to attend. Attendance is limited to 50 students. The deadline this year is March 31.

To find out more about the Cadet Law Enforcement Academy, go to the Programs section of the Kansas American Legion website at: www.ksamlegion.org/. If you have questions, contact The Kansas American Legion Department Headquarters, 1314 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612, or call the headquarters at 785-232-9315.