New committee a 'win-win' for youth, law enforcement

Currently, 19 departments conduct a week-long American Legion Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program for rising high school seniors that educates about law enforcement and instills a newfound respect for law officials. The Legion's long-term vision for its Americanism program is for continued growth through more department participation.

To support its vision, the National Executive Committee recently adopted a resolution that establishes a Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Committee. Resolution 6 calls for the committee to "develop, coordinate, facilitate and foster strategies to promote development, sustainability, growth and viability of the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program."

"This program has helped hundreds of young people who are interested in law enforcement careers in a handful of states across the country," said Larry Price, chairman of the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Committee. "I know that the committee is committed to assisting the states who do not have programs to get one started. This is a win-win situation for both our youth and our law enforcement community."

The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program is available to boys and girls who have completed their junior year of high school, are in good academic standing, and possess good moral character and a desire to learn more about the law enforcement profession. During the program, the departments partner with their state or highway patrol academy to educate youth about officer survival techniques, defensive tactics, firearms safety, precision driving, law enforcement technology, accident and criminal investigation, and more.

Learn more about the program here.