Photos: JPD PHOTO
Six teens are getting the opportunity to form the backbone — and then help lead — a new program at the Jacksonville Police Department.
JPD Cadet Post 117 is for students ages 14 to 18 who have graduated from at least one of the department’s week-long teen academies, shown leadership skills and the ability to work with people, and plan to become law enforcement officers. Appointment to the cadet program is made by school resource officers Dave Turner and Craig Wright, and patrol officers Josh Radliff and Lesley McNeely.
Once students are chosen for the free program, they can stay enrolled until age 20, Turner said.
“We’re working to grow [the program],” Turner said. The initial group, five boys and one girl, is the “foundation, and as they are trained, they will help train” future members.
Brendan Hummer, 15, of Lynnville, a freshman at Jacksonville High School, attended three sessions of the teen academy and knew “from the get-go” he wanted to join the cadets.
“I like that it’s really useful information we can use in real life,” he said, explaining the students have become certified in CPR and first aid, tested in use of tourniquets, and learned some basic sign language. Eventually, they will get hands-on lessons in building searches, search and rescue, and other duties.
Physical training also is part of the program. Right now, the cadets perform pushups and sit-ups, and will participate in a version of the POWER (Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report) test that all department recruits must take.
The cadets’ first official outing was Saturday, March 16 at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Jacksonville.
Brendan’s parents, Casey and Monica Hummer, support their son’s interest. “I like the professionalism of it,” Casey Hummer said. “I think it will help foster some respect and give some taste of what law enforcement does and have some respect for them as well. In this day and age, with people hating on cops all the time, it’ll be good [for the students] to actually see all the good they do.”
The program began last August and runs year-round, with cadets meeting three hours every month as they learn about policing. As part of the curriculum, they also will volunteer with the adult Citizens Police Academy Alumni group, which helps the department with parades, fairs, and large community and school events.
“So far, we have had an absolute blast,” Turner said.
