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.
-
Amazon facility in Greenfield shuts down after shooting that left 1 dead
The Hancock County Sheriff's Department said an Amazon facility is shut down in Greenfield after a shooting on Friday.
Construction begins for new Indianapolis Animal Care Services shelter
Indianapolis Animal Care Services is one step closer to its new facility. Work is underway at the future site of the IACS shelter on East Raymond Street.
'No indication' Mangione was a client of UnitedHealthcare, police say
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was likely not a client of the insurer, police said on Wednesday.
Firefighters surprise cancer patient at Riley Hospital
After 860 days of chemotherapy, 17-year-old Benny Ray rang the bell at Riley Hospital to celebrate the end of his leukemia treatment — but his day was made even more special by a familiar surprise.
