HERSHEY, PA – A mentorship program out of Pennsylvania that aims to help high school graduates prepare for a future career in law enforcement gave young enthusiasts a taste of what academy life is really like, where would-be future recruits were afforded an opportunity to tour the state’s police academy and learn firsthand from academy cadets.
The Law and Leadership Academy touts itself as a preparatory 15-week program designed to help high school graduates, or those who’ve obtained their GED, to “experience the process of becoming a cadet in a law enforcement training environment.”
Individuals aged 18 years or older are allowed to participate in the program, which is currently available at six regional facilities across Pennsylvania, with said programs running from May through August.
During the 15-week program, enrollees can expect lesson plans revolving around law enforcement-specific education, time and stress management skills, as well as physical fitness regimens and an introduction to paramilitary disciplines like marching, which falls in line with standard police academies.
Program enrollees reportedly meet twice a week during the 15-week course, with the “occasional Saturday sessions throughout the program,” according to the Law and Leadership Academy overview page, which said that the program is completely free to enroll in.
Earlier in August, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Academy invited the class of cadets currently enrolled in the Law and Leadership Academy for a tour of the facility, alongside opportunities to get firsthand knowledge of former Law and Leadership Academy cadets who’ve found their way into the PSP Academy.
Lt. Col. Christopher King, who serves as the PSP Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Professional Responsibility, issued a statement regarding the August visit, highlighting the benefits associated with current enrollees seeing past program participants currently pursuing their law enforcement careers.
“This opportunity for our Law and Leadership participants to connect with cadets who once stood in their shoes reinforces the impact and success of the program. When participants see Law and Leadership graduates now succeeding as cadets and have the opportunity to connect with them, they recognize that with continued commitment and perseverance, they too can pursue a career with PSP,” Lt. Col. King stated.
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