The American Legion Post 175
Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Program
Since 1990, The American Legion and the Virginia State Police (VSP) have teamed up to provide the youth of Virginia with an opportunity to experience firsthand what it takes to become a law enforcement officer. The American Legion Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Program offers a fast paced week of orientation to law enforcement training and an insight to the criminal justice system.
Those applicants who are selected to attend the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Program will receive an information packet from The American Legion. Included will be a list of items and clothing the cadets should bring with them, a map with directions to the State Police Academy, and a physical exam form. The Confirmation Notice form must be signed and returned immediately.
The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Program is neither a summer camp nor a week-long vacation excursion. Cadets will be required to take part in physical activities including marching, and will also require that they endure long days usually beginning at 6:00 a.m. with some evening training. Neither The American Legion nor the Virginia State Police in any way imply that by attending this program the cadets will automatically qualify for law enforcement training after the completion of high school. It serves as an orientation to career possibilities in some aspect of criminal justice.
Students, both male and female, who will have completed their junior year of high school (be a rising senior) by the annually announced July dates for The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) session must apply through a local American Legion Post.
Sponsoring American Legion Posts are responsible for the costs of the program. This includes meals, housing, Youth Cadet Law Enforcement T-shirts to be worn during the training sessions, and a graduation certificate and pin. The Virginia State Police counselors, program instructors, academy facilities, and equipment are provided as a public service.
The Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond, Virginia provides an ideal campus setting for rising high school seniors to learn about law enforcement. As the training site for Virginia state troopers, the Academy provides the facilities to make the law cadets’ education and experience a rewarding one.
The American Legion Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Program is an intensive five-day (resident) 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 (YCLE) 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 pistol range.
• Observation of working Patrol and Drug K-9's.
• 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.
To be eligible for the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Program all applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Must have completed their junior year of high school in the year they plan to attend the program. Written certification is required of each applicant’s high school principal.
• Should have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license or learner’s permit. Copy must be attached to the application.
• Must be available to attend the entire program session: (Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon.)
• Each candidate must be sponsored by an American Legion post by submitting the completed application.
Purposes of the program are:
• To encourage young people to consider careers in law enforcement.
• To foster in our youth a respect for law enforcement.
• To enhance law enforcement & community relations.
Questions?
The Post 175 Point of Contact (POC) is our Chair, Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Academy Sub-Committee
All students who wish to apply for selection to the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (YCLE) Program should contact The American Legion Post 175, Attn: YCLE Program, for sponsorship information. For more information, you may also visit:
The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (National) Program web page.
The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (Virginia) Program web page.
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Note for our Youth Programs supporters:
The American Legion Post 175 is a 501(C)19 non-profit organization and your donation may be tax deductible.