Junior Law Cadet Program

Who:  Each year four high school juniors from each of the American Legion's 15 districts are chosen to participate in the junior Law Cadet Program.

When: Young Women's Session  June 12-16, 2017                                                                                                                              Young Men's Session  June 19-23, 2017

Where:  Participants will stay at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.

What You Do: Explore and experience the various aspects of law enforcement and receive training from representatives of city, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers. Participate in daily calisthenics, firearms training, and self-defense tactics. Learn the latest in law enforcement technology, including fingerprinting, K-9 handling, accident and criminal investigation. If you are considering a career in law enforcement, the Junior Law Cadet Program is for you! 

How to Become a Junior Law Cadet: Fill out the online application available at  www.nebraskalegion.net.  Questions can be directed to the American Legion Communications Director, John Thompson at his email address :  . His office number is (402) 464-6338. 

Junior Law Participants will be selected by competitive evaluation based on interest, citizenship, evidence of self-discipline, and the ability to share their knowledge with others. Completed applications and an endorsement from your school prinicipal or superintendent must be submitted to your local Post Commander before March 1, 2017. 

Your local Post Commander will select a male and female applicant from each school and forward his selectins to Department Headquarters for review. All eligible applicants will be notified, by mail of the location, date, and time of their District selection interview. 

Costs: The sponsoring Post provides the cost of training per student, which covers food, T-shirts, caps, classroom materials and administrative expenses. The Nebraska State Patrol provides training, counselors, facilities and equipment as a public service. 

Basic Requirements to Become a Junior Law Cadet: 

  1. High School Junior in good health and able to participate in physical activities.
  2. Must possess a positive attitude and display respect for law enforcement.
  3. Good grooming, average or above scholastic record, and be able to share the knowledge gained through the program with others. 
  4. Must possess a valid Nebraska operator's license or learner's permit.
  5. Must reside in the State of Nebraska.
  6. Must have attended an accredited Nebraska High School for the 2016-2017 school year. 

Other Activities and Areas of Learning: 

  • Fingerprinting
  • Accident Investigation
  • Physical Fitness
  • Lie Detector
  • Crime and Drug Investigation

The American Legion Junior Law Cadet Program provides young adults the chance to: 

  • Drive a State Patrol car.
  • Learn to fire a service weapon under expert guidance.
  • Learn self-defense, pressure point control tactics and assault prevention measures.
  • Interact with law enforcement officers and other young adults while learning the different roles agencies play in the criminal justice system, both here in Nebraska and across the United States.
  • Study drug enforcement, proper methods of patrolling, K-9 handling, gangs and many issues facing law enforcement today.
  • Have fun while working as a team, carrying out responsibilities, and achieving individual goals in a para-military setting.