Kids Become Police Cadets

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Cadets Program is an open program for the youth of Los Angeles operated at each of the 21 community police stations in the city.

This program aims to teach discipline and self- development skills to students. The officers involved also train the students physically to challenge their own limits and abilities.

Over the past couple of years, the program has grown significantly. On average, the program welcomes 10 to 15 new recruits per academy twice each year. Just recently, the academy welcomed around 20 new recruits.

“It has grown in the sense that the kids are hearing it from their own peers and what they’re involved in; it motivates them get an idea of what they’re getting themselves into,” said Officer Peteque, one of the police officers involved in the Cadets Program, in an interview with JSR.

Officer Peteque continued, “It also opens up a lot of doors for them. …Some of the kids aren’t involved in any sports or extracurricular, like marching band. This is the perfect ideal program for them to be in; the training that they’re exposed to leads to a lot of opportunities down the road.”

Jenny Chun a 13-year-old new recruit, told JSR, “It’s definitely intense. I came into this program knowing that I would have to be determined and motivated to stay on top.”

Many Cadet graduates use their opportunities to fulfill their careers in law enforcement.

“I do hope to go into law enforcement or military work in the future,” Chun said. “This program will help me get one step ahead.”

For more information, visit www.lapdcadets.com.