State Police Youth Week

On Sunday July 5, 2015, the Connecticut State Police Training Academy staff welcomed 26 new cadets to the State Police Training Academy in Meriden.

The American Legion Connecticut State Police Youth Week is open to 16 and 17 year old high school students throughout the Country.   Youth Week is modeled after State Police Recruit Training and provides students a unique opportunity to gain insight into the training, duties and expectations of Connecticut State Troopers. This program is a mini-State Police Academy and a National model for the American Legion.

During the week long training, all cadets participate in a variety of mental and physical challenges including Leadership Development, Patrol Techniques, use of laser speed measuring equipment, Accident Investigation, DWI Enforcement, Emergency Vehicle Operation Course driving, Firearms Training, and Criminal Investigation. The Cadets will also participate in daily physical conditioning, daily personnel inspections, drill & ceremony, and 5:15 a.m. reveille.

On Friday July 10, 2015 the Cadets will participate in emergency vehicle driving. Not only will they have the opportunity to operate a State Police Cruiser on a closed course, but they will also get the chance to experience “distracted driving”. The Cadets will operate a specially equipped vehicle in a highly controlled environment through a cone course while texting. This will help reinforce the dangers of trying to text while driving for anyone, but especially teenage drivers.

The week concludes with a Warrior’s Path Safety & Survival course on Saturday July 11, 2015 followed by a Graduation ceremony. The Warrior’s Path represents the culmination of all of the skills and knowledge the recruits learned during the week, it is designed to emphasize the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity.