High school students interested in law enforcement will once again have the opportunity this summer to see what law enforcement training and careers are like through the Cadet Law Enforcement Academy. The Cadet Law Enforcement Academy program is hosted by the Patrol, and sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Cadet Law this year will be held from June 8-June 13.
The goal of Cadet Law is to give young men and women an opportunity to learn more about what law enforcement jobs entail—the duties, training, and discipline that go along with a career in the field. It teaches high school students a great deal about leadership, and about coming together as a team.
“The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Kansas Highway Patrol are looking for students who not only excel in the classroom, but who are of the highest moral integrity,” said KHP Recruiter, LieutenantT Amy Ayers. “After a week of participation with the dedicated members of the Kansas Highway Patrol, they will understand the personal character and leadership it takes to enter this demanding profession of law enforcement.”
“Cadet Law was what ultimately made me decide that I wanted to be a state trooper. It showed me a small part of what every trooper has to go through to be where they are today. It teaches high school kids responsibility and to respect the job state troopers have. For me, it gave me a goal to work towards,” said current KHP Trooper Lindsey Murphy, a Cadet Law graduate. “I knew that getting through the academy would not be easy, so I started working on getting in shape mentally and physically. If I hadn’t gone to Cadet Law, I don’t think I would have been so motivated and determined to do everything I could to become a state trooper.”  
Students at Cadet Law are coached by KHP troopers who spend the week in Salina, encouraging the students, and helping them develop. College students who have attended the KHP Collegiate Law program will help mentor the high school students throughout the weekduring the program.  Throughout the week, the  cadets have a rigorous schedule to follow that is very similar to that of actual recruit troopers. The students experience a variety of classroom instruction, and the real-world activities of a trooper a trooper faces. Cadets go to the firing range to practice using firearms. They also, practice pursuit driving, at the driving range, flyride with the Patrol’s pilots in agency airplanes, practice car stop scenarios, and see presentations from the Patrol’s canine handlers. Car stop scenarios are practiced. Physical training and attention to detail are both emphasized throughout the duration of their academy experience training.
In order for a student to be eligible to attend Cadet Law, students must be in the summer between their Junior and Senior years of high school and must have a “C+” academic average. Students must be deemed medically fit to participate in all activities. Students will need to fill out an application to attend, including writing a brief essay on why they would like to participate in the program. Applications are due by March 31, 2014. Students should contact the American Legion at (785) 232-9315 for an application and further information. There is no cost to the cadet, but there is a $300 sponsorship fee by the local American Legion Post or American Legion Auxiliary Post. Lodging, food, and uniform are provided for the week.