Local students at Junior Law Academy
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Dozens of young men and women will experience what it takes to become a law enforcement officer as they participate in the American Legion Junior Law Cadet program. The cadets will spend a week in June at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center/ Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.
In its 47th year, the week-long academy follows a strict itinerary providing the cadets with firsthand knowledge of what is required to become a law enforcement officer in Nebraska. The participants begin each day at 6:15 a.m., with physical fitness training, followed by a flag raising ceremony.
The 37 young women cadets are attending the Jr. Law Academy this week, while 40 male cadets will participate the following week, June 16-20. During their stay, the cadets receive hands-on experiences to include defensive tactics, vehicle operations and patrolling, firearms, and fingerprinting.
Cadets from Beaver City, McCook and Arapahoe are among those attending.
American Legion Posts from across the state nominated the cadets, who were then selected by District. Participants were selected based on worthy character, interest in law enforcement, evidence of self-discipline and the ability to share the knowledge gained with others. The American Legion and the Nebraska State Patrol originated the Junior Law Cadet program in Nebraska. The program has since been used as a model in many other states.