The Community Relations Unit and School Resource Officer Unit are proud to announce the amazing accomplishments of the Colorado Springs Police Department Teen Cadet Program at the 2023 L.E.E.P.A.A.C Conference. The conference had 25 teams comprised of close to 200 cadets from Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Texas. The CSPD Teen Cadets participated in several individual and small team competitions and ultimately took home the following awards:
- 1st place in Crisis Intervention Training
- 1st place in Traffic Crash Investigation
- 2nd place in Pedestrian Contacts
- 2nd place Bomb Threat
- 2nd place in Family Disturbance
- 3rd place in Traffic Crash Investigation
- 3rd place in Suspicious Circumstance
- 3rd place in the Obstacle Course
- 4th place Family Disturbance
- 4th place High-Risk Entry
- 4th place in Suspicious Person
- 4th place in Bomb Threat
- 5th place in Traffic Crash Investigation
- 5th place High-Risk Entry
The cadets performed spectacularly during competitions and displayed the highest levels of honor throughout the entire week. For their work as a team, they were awarded the Spirit Award. The Spirit Award is given out to only one agency and is won by collecting spirit tokens from advisors throughout the week, which are given to cadets who display the highest integrity, character, empathy, compassion, and care for others that exemplify the spirit of an exceptional law enforcement officer. Since 2019, the award has been given on only three occasions, with the CSPD winning it each time.
The cadet program dates back 106 years to 1917 and has always been a source of pride within the department and community. The program is designed to develop young leaders who become active in our community. Throughout the year, cadets will attend leadership conferences, volunteer at local non-profits, and more, all while learning about the role law enforcement plays in Colorado Springs. While some cadets do go on to become CSPD officers, or work in the criminal justice field, our main goal is not to recruit, but rather to help equip some of our youngest community members with strong leadership skills and knowledge that they can take with them in the future.
To learn more about the CSPD Teen Cadet Program or to apply please visit https://coloradosprings.gov/police-department/page/colorado-springs-police-cadet-program-0
