LAPD suspends Cadet training program at two divisions

After three cadets attempted to prove that Police Academy was more documentary than satire, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck has suspended cadet training at two divisions where the cadets were enrolled. 

The LAPD said on Sunday the suspensions are part of a thorough review of the department's cadet program and policies for managing inventory. 

The program, which is meant for teenagers who may want to become police officers, has come under increased scrutiny after three cadets managed to check out patrol vehicles on June 14th. The trio led officers on a series of wild pursuits that ended with crashes. 

Beck said two boys, and a girl, ages, 15, 16, and 17, were able to check out the vehicles by using a vacationing sergeant's name to drive the cruisers out of the a stationhouse parking lot. Two of the accused cadets were assigned to the 77th Street Division and the third to the Pacific Division. 

Police are investigating whether the teens also impersonated officers and pulled over drivers. The trio of teens were booked on charges for theft of the cruisers as well as other LAPD property that includes a bulletproof vest, stun guns and radios. 

Around 2,300 teens between the ages of 13 and 20 participate in the cadet programs operating at each of the LAPD's 21 stations.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content