Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program

Since 1989, The Virginia American Legion and the Virginia State Police have conducted a week-long hands-on event for rising high school seniors (male & female) at the VSP Training Academy. Those interested in a law enforcement career get a small glimpse of the varied training a trooper experiences. For more information, use the contact form below to reach out to the YCLE Director.

     

 

 

YCLE Director:  Bill Feasenmyer (284)

YCLE Deputy Director: Tommy Powell (130)

YCLE Director Emeritus: Ken Powell (325)

YCLE Members: Joyce Miller (180), Deloris Todman (165), Richard Ward (75), Mark Stein (10)

PDC Advisor:  Brett Reistad (270)

Purpose – To expose young men and women to almost every facet of law enforcement by an orientation to career possibilities in some aspect of criminal justice, to foster in our youth a respect for law enforcement, and to enhance law enforcement & community relations.

The American Legion Department of Virginia and Virginia State Police Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program is an intensive five-day session in which young men and women are exposed to almost every facet of law enforcement. During the instruction at the academy, the students will receive orientation to criminal investigation, patrol techniques, accident and crime scene investigation, firearms safety and marksmanship. The cadets will also learn about the history of policing, the drug problems facing all Virginians today, and the State Police recruitment process.

The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program consists of vigorous training along with both practical and classroom instruction. This includes a variety of “hands on” training pertaining to law enforcement. Practical Training includes: Water safety and life saving techniques; Vehicle Operator improvement on the Academy vehicle driving range and skid pan; Weapons safety training and marksmanship on the firing range; Observation of working Patrol and Drug K-9’s; and Impaired driving demonstration. In addition to the classroom and practical experience, cadets will also have the opportunity to visit the Governor’s Mansion, the Virginia War Memorial, and have lunch at a local American Legion Post.