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 (NLETC/NSPTA), 3600 Academy Road 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 will attend the Jr. Law Academy, the week of June 9-13, while 40 male cadets will participate the following week, June 16-20. During their stay, the cadets will receive hands-on experiences to include defensive tactics, vehicle operations and patrolling, firearms, and fingerprinting.
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 (NSP) originated the Junior Law Cadet program in Nebraska. The program has since been used as a model in many other states.
The young women participating are from communities across Nebraska to include: Arnold, Ashland, Aurora, Beaver City, Brainard, Burwell, Callaway, Central City, Cody, Cortland, Firth, Gibbon, Grant, Gretna, Hampton, Hastings, Lincoln, McCook, Milford, Nebraska City, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, Ord, Papillion, Riverton, Rushville, Shickley, Stapleton, Steinauer, Verdigre, and Yutan.
The young men participating are from communities across Nebraska to include: Arapahoe, Beatrice, Blair, Burwell, Cedar Bluffs, Dawson, Douglas, Elkhorn, Emerson, Franklin, Fremont, Hay Springs, Heartwell, Hyannis, Kearney, Kenesaw, Lawrence, Lexington, Lincoln, Nelson, Nenzel, Ogallala, Omaha, Osmond, Paxton, Plainview, Plattsmouth, Plymouth, Sidney, Stromsburg, Verdigre, Weeping Water, West Point, and York.
A graduation ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., on the final Friday of each week at the NLETC/NSPTA.