ALLECA-AZ

American Legion JR Law Cadet Program

ALLECA IS A PARTNERED YOUTH PROGRAM BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF ARIZONA AMERICAN LEGION AND THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY (AZ DPS) THAT BEGAN BACK IN 1981 AND HAS NOW REACHED ITS 38TH YEAR. ALLECA IS ONE OF ONLY TWENTY ONE (21) SUCH PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES (ARIZONA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, FLORIDA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NORTH CAROLINA, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN) THAT ARE GEARED TOWARD THOSE INDIVIDUAL TEENAGERS WHO HAVE SHOWN AN INTEREST IN SOME PHASE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OR MILITARY AND OURS IS UNIQUE BECAUSE MUCH OF THE PROGRAM IS FOCUSED ON PHYSICAL FITNESS. THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY “AMERICANISM” PROGRAMS THAT ARE SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION AND OUR PROGRAM IS SEEN AS THE NATIONAL MODEL FOR SUCH PROGRAMS. THE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF A EIGHT-DAY ENCAMPMENT AND IS HELD AT THE EMMANUEL PINES CAMP, WHICH IS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF PRESCOTT ARIZONA. THE PROGRAM IS OFFERED TO YOUTHS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 11 AND 19. THE CADETS ARE FED THREE MEALS A DAY AND ARE PROVIDED QUARTERS AND UNIFORMS.

The American Legion believes that our young people have a strong sense of patriotism and a high regard for law and order. The objective of the American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (ALLECA) is to provide a firsthand look at the role of a police officer in promoting and safeguarding America’s freedom and rights. As only one of 21 such programs in the Country, it is the belief of the Department of Arizona that the young men and women who take part in the ALLECA program will develop favorable attitudes toward law enforcement and will spread those attitudes throughout their communities and among their peers. The ALLECA program is not a “boot camp” or a camp for problem or incorrigible, unmanageable teens.

THE PROGRAM

This could be described as a one-week mini police academy. Sessions are planned annually during summer vacation. Discipline is strict with vigorous physical training, running, and calisthenics included. Training begins at 5:00 a.m. and concludes at 9:00 p.m. each day after which, clothes will be washed, and dormitories cleaned. Obstacle courses and defensive tactics are planned. Various government and criminal justice officials will be guest speakers. Basic instruction will be by certified police officers from various Arizona police agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants must either be enrolled in a recognized school or have just graduated. They must have reached their 11th birthday in the month preceding the academy or have not reached their 19thbirthday by the start date of the academy. They must be proficient in English, must be of good moral character, present a neat appearance and come well recommended by a school and pass a physical fitness test.

The applicant does not need to be a relative of a member of the American Legion or any other organization to be admitted.