INDIANAPOLIS — This week at Anderson University, high schoolers interested in a career in policing are getting the experience of a lifetime.
The Indiana Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy was created by the American Legion Department of Indiana and the Indiana State Police. The week-long camp lets teenagers see what it's like to work in law enforcement.
Students try out multiple scenarios and learn what it's like to be on a SWAT team, K9-unit, bomb squad and active shooter situations.
"Since I've been doing it for seven years, it's not only the growth throughout the week but the growth throughout the years. I've seen students go from cadet keens to junior counselors, to troopers," Sgt. Jeremy Piers, a spokesperson with Indiana State Police said.
"I didn't understand that they had this many opportunities and types of careers. You can still be in law enforcement even if you don't want to be a police officer," Gus Walling, a youth cadet who is a rising college freshman said.
"We've actually had parents come to us after the program and say that it changed their child's life," Ron Patterson, Chairman of The Indiana Youth Law Cadet Academy said. "They went from being unruly and with no respect, to say, 'yes ma'am, no sir,' and they come back a second time. I think that is something I take away from this."
More than 70 high schoolers joined the camp.
ISP troopers say these camps can help improve the image of law enforcement and recruit the next generation.
-
Indiana Fever playoff tickets on sale for first home postseason game since 2016
The team will host the No. 6 Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 2 of their best-of-three first-round series.
Push to curb teen gun violence, local organization working to find root causes
As gun violence continues to impact young people in Indianapolis, one organization is working directly with teens to make a change.
Brownsburg community rallies to support two Black teens after racist incident
Over a hundred people lined up outside of Rockstar Pizza to show their support for two teens and prove that racism has no place in their community.
Suspect arrested for threatening hospital employees, staff with firearm
According to police, officers were called to the Hancock Regional Hospital on the report of threats involving a firearm against staff just before 11 a.m.
