Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program
Since 1989, The Virginia American Legion and the Virginia State Police have conducted a hands-on training event for rising high school seniors (male and female) at the Virginia State Police (VSP) Training Academy in Midlothian. Students interested in a law enforcement career get a small glimpse of the varied training a Virginia State Trooper candidate actually experiences. The Virginia State Police Academy provides an ideal campus setting for high school-aged students to learn about law enforcement. As the training site for Virginia state troopers, the Academy provides the facilities to make the law cadets’ education and experience a highly rewarding one.
The American Legion Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program serves to introduce youth to the field of law enforcement’s principles, discipline, ethics, physical fitness, and teamwork.
Held during the summer, the challenging 5½ day program gives students active experience in military drill, physical training, crime scene investigation, defensive tactics; driving a VSP cruiser, firing both handgun and patrol rifle at the range, simulated ‘shoot or don’t shoot’ decision making, water safety, and more, plus visits to the Virginia Governor’s Mansion and the Virginia War Memorial.
To be eligible for the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program, all applicants must meet the following requirements:
* have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license or learner’s permit. A copy must be attached to the application.
* be available to attend the entire program session: (Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon.)
Candidates are selected by Post 146 from nominations received primarily from Hopewell High School faculty and staff. However, the program is also open to those who are home-schooled or in private school.
Participant registration/participation expenses are funded by Post 146.
A program application may be download here: /files/YouthCadetLawEnforcementApplication.pdf
If you are interested and wish more information or need assistance, go to: https://valegion.org/programs/jr-law-cadet/ or contact American Legion Post 146 at hopewellpost16@gmail.com - address the eMail to the attention of the 2nd Vice Commander.