LAPD Cadets, the department’s flagship youth training initiative, is intended to prepare young adults who envision themselves as having a future in law enforcement. But recently, the program has generated theft of police equipment, illicit underage sex, and cadet car chases. Seven LAPD cadets were arrested after allegations that they took patrol cars beyond county limits, even pulling motorists over (since they are not actual cops, that’s very illegal). In another instance, cadets led LAPD officers on police chases that ended in crashes. The worst failure of oversight is that a 31-year-old officer allegedly had sex with a 15-year-old cadet and helped her steal cars, Tasers, bulletproof vests, and other equipment. The officer has formally been charged with sexual assault. After all this news broke, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck ordered a thorough review of the program. Simultaneously, an ongoing review will be performed by the LA Police Commission inspector general. It’s a terrible stain on an otherwise remarkably successful program.

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