THE AMERICAN LEGION
LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER ACADEMY
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 first-hand look at the role of a police officer and military members in promoting and safeguarding America’s freedom and rights. As only one of 17 such programs in the Country, it is the belief of the program administrators that the young men and women who take part in the ALLECA program will develop favorable attitudes toward Law Enforcement and the military branches, 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.
PROGRAM: This program could be described as a one-week mini-police academy or basic military boot camp. 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. Military personnel are part of the staff to help guide youth interested in joining the military.
QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must either be enrolled in a recognized school (Public, Private or Home Schooled) or have just graduated. They must have reached their 11th birthday in the month preceding the academy or have not reached their 19th birthday by the start date of the academy. They must be proficient in English and must be a U.S. Citizen. Each applicant must be of good moral character, present a neat appearance and come well recommended by a school officials and recommendation letters from school administrators are welcome. The applicant does not need to be a relative of a member of the American Legion or any other organization to be admitted. Due to the rigorous training and stress involved in this semi-military type of academy, the application of those who may require a special diet or medication may be rejected. After screening on the opening Saturday by the command staff, any applicant may be denied admission. Before reporting to the Academy, it is recommended that the applicant run daily and do calisthenics to insure that he/she is in top physical condition. A pre-screening physical fitness test is mandatory to assure that the applicant is physical fit to attend the academy. If on check-in day the Cadet fails any portion of the physical fitness test, the Cadet will be dismissed and immediately sent home. NO CONDITION OF RACE, COLOR, SEX, RELIGION OR NATIONAL ORIGIN IS A PREREQUISITE FOR ADMISSION.
APPLICATION: Official application forms may be obtained from any local Post of the American Legion, a high school counselor, the advisor of any Police Explorer Post, a local police agency or the advisor of a Junior ROTC unit at a high school. Visit the Arizona ALLECA website link on the right for more information.