CSPD Cadet Program Competes in Annual Explorer Conference
Last week, beautiful Gunnison, Colorado, served as the backdrop for the 2019 Law Enforcement Regional Explorer Conference. The annual conference, hosted by Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisers Association of Colorado, puts the state’s best law enforcement explorer programs to the test through a series of challenges ranging from cell searches to crime scene investigations. Every year, the Colorado Springs Police Department’s (CSPD) Police Cadet Program is proud to participate in the conference.
The Colorado Springs Police Cadet Program is designed for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20-years-of age. This program allows young people who live in or near the city of Colorado Springs to become informed and involved in law enforcement, while actively becoming part of their community. Teens can further their knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system through training, and provide an insight into all phases of police work. The program fosters better understanding between the police department and the youth of our city. Throughout the program, the cadets receive training and an introduction to: law enforcement, police ethics, community relations, criminal law, radio communications, criminal investigations, use of force laws, crime scene searches, evidence collection, domestic violence, officer safety, vehicle stops, patrol functions, report writing, and firearms safety.
“It is our goal that through this program, that we allow our cadets to build character through teamwork, leadership, knowledge, and ethics. It’s always fulfilling to watch the cadets grow throughout their training and showcase their skills at this conference,” said CSPD Officer Jessica Kuhn, who oversees the department’s Cadet Program.
Following a week of competition, the CSPD cadets took home the following awards:
1st in Crime Scene Investigation — Cadet Allen
1st (Perfect Score) in Domestic Violence Response — Cadet Allen
1st in High Risk Stops — Cadet Maione
2nd in Cell Search — Cadet Gray
2nd in Crime Scene Investigation — Cadet Fish
2nd in Domestic Violence Response — Cadet Tinsley
3rd in Cell Search — Cadet Morgan
3rd in Crime Scene Investigation — Cadet Morgan
3rd in Crisis Intervention — Cadet Allen
4th in Crisis Intervention — Cadet Durocher
5th in Domestic Violence Response — Cadet Youngbird
5th in Crime Scene Investigation — Cadet Gurnett
As a team, the CSPD was also awarded the “Spirit Award.” The “Spirit Award” is voted on by all the explorer program advisers, and is presented to the law enforcement agency that demonstrates exemplary work as well as displays the best of teamwork, character, work ethic, and attitude. “I couldn’t be more proud of them for earning this award,” said Officer Kuhn.
To learn more about the cadet program, please see: https://coloradosprings.gov/police-department/page/colorado-springs-police-cadet-program
