Our US correspondent Una Riley attended the LAPD Cadet Leadership Programme at the Galen Center at the University of Southern California, to witness 652 Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) cadets on their graduation day.
The cadets received a standing ovation from the tumultuous crowd of thousands. The Cadet Leadership programme began in 2007 and this was the largest graduating class yet. The atmosphere crackled with pride and anticipation from the parents and friends attending. This was a step in the right direction for the future of all the children involved. Their commitment and dedication over the past 18 weeks had paid off. Ages ranged from 13 to 20. This diverse programme aims to attract ALL children and get them to connect with each other from the moment they step through the door. They start to learn more than the curriculum which includes courses on citizenship, leadership, financial literacy and other life skills. Although they are exposed to all that the LAPD has to offer the cadet programme aims to afford the teens a sound foundation for any career of their choice. Opportunities include tutoring for those who need it and college scholarships for those who earn them. Although the program was started during LAPD Chief Bill Bratton’s tenure, it was current chief Charlie Beck who saw the potential role cadets could fill in the department’s community policing strategy, which is about earning trust and building lasting relationships. However, this programme rests on the shoulders of First Assistant Chief Director, Office of Special Operations, LAPD, Earl C Paysinger; and Natalie Torres-Soriano, Senior Management Analyst, Office of Special Operations, LAPD. In his address to the guests at the graduation Chief Paysinger thanked all involved and acknowledged Chief Charlie Beck without whose support this would not have happened. He went on: “This programme would not be the success that it is today without the partnership of the LAPD’s Youth Programmes Co-ordinator, Natalie Torres-Soriano. For nearly 20 years we have collaborated to innovate the manner in which the LAPD cultivates its youth outreach agenda. As we near the completion of our journey with the programme, we do so with a profound sense of gratitude for having had the good fortune of helping shepherd literally thousands of cadet youth down the path towards success. Many live their entire lives searching in vain for their destiny. We were fortunate, having been blessed many years ago to discover that standing in earnest and with resolve for community youth has been our purpose and defines the principle reason why we joined the LAPD. Law enforcement has many vital priorities, yet nothing we do is more important. No work is more urgent. None of our efforts could possibly be more meaningful than ensuring that our youth are granted the two special privileges that mean the most – opportunity and hope.”
It was a moving ceremony and Ms Torres-Soriano was presented with a bouquet by one of the cadets … her own daughter. Chief Paysinger concluded his message to the parents and guests: “This programme has dramatically changed our lives and for the unconditional joy it has brought us through the years; in the same way that you are proud of these young people, we are proud of you for providing them with the support they need to succeed. There is powerful truth in the proverb that, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and we are pleased and in your debt for allowing the LAPD to be part of that community.”
I can testify to how this programme works. We had been invited by my friend Martina to watch her son, Isaias Alcala graduate as a cadet. We have known Martina for some nine years and have watched Isaias develop from a shy boy into the confident young man he is. However, what she had not conveyed to me was the scale of the event. The crowd that would have graced a major sporting occasion included many of the most senior officers from all of the various law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles as well as several other dignitaries.
As we enjoyed the impressive ceremony with the array of children from different backgrounds coming together as one, it was evident that something special was happening; culture change for the better was taking place. Sadly, the County and City of Los Angeles are known as the ‘gang capital’ of the nation. There are more than 450 active gangs in the City of Los Angeles. Many of these have been in existence for over 50 years. They have taken fathers, sons and grandsons of the same family in many instances. However, although these gangs have a combined membership of over 45,000 individuals, things are changing. Assistant Chief Paysinger has said: “Gang members don’t have trouble recruiting, so why should we?” Indeed from the growing numbers of cadets each year the tide certainly seems to be turning. What I think is unique about this programme is that it also includes a parents course. My friend Martina had also attended, with hundreds of other mothers and fathers a tandem, eight-week course at the Cadet Parent Academy. I asked Martina what it entailed. She said: “You learn about the pressure teenagers are dealing with. These include many areas such as Bullying, drugs, alcohol and potential bad influences. You are encouraged to support your child throughout the programme and its endeavors.” Some years ago I interviewed a gang member from the valley in Los Angeles who was trying to get out of the gang system …not easy once you are in. I asked what the most important thing was to keep potential children from joining a gang and he said: “Jobs and love.”
The first thing that struck me about the LAPD Cadet Programme is their affirmation regarding those two very important factors … you can certainly feel the love in the room and it is a fact that all the children are working to get their grades up in school and are already career-focused. Chief Beck said the program held such promise addressing the graduates; he said: “You are our future.” He also informed everyone in an ongoing commitment to fostering community partnerships throughout the city, the University of Southern California had awarded the LAPD a $100,000 annual grant to support its cadet programme. That will help the LAPD expand its signature community youth programme, which has 6,000 active members aged from 13 to 20 from every part of Los Angeles. With USC’s support, the LAPD cadet programme can continue to help students from all walks of life achieve academic excellence, develop character and leadership skills, and lead productive lives. It was indeed an emotional ceremony made even more so with the announcement that Assistant Chief Paysinger would be retiring later this year. There was no doubt the esteem the cadets held him in. When he was presented with a framed picture of the cadets there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. After the ceremony the Alcala family and friends repaired to a lively restaurant to celebrate the occasion.
I asked Isaias why did he decide to join the cadets. He replied: “The reason was because I knew it would open many doors in my future. It has also enabled me to help my community … just like how they’ve helped me.” I enquired what exactly the programme meant to him. “Personally, the cadet program means giving your son/daughter leadership, integrity, and responsibility. It enables young people to gain communication skills and the ability to work and take an active role within your community. It means that during the 18 week programme you will learn to change your attitude towards different things experience more self-discipline and be a different person at the end of it.” e talked about the things that he had learnt and experienced as a cadet that he would not otherwise have known. Apart from the physical challenges and inter-personal skills he also spoke about practical situations and circumstances that young people face. “For instance. We learn never to drink from open containers or when a stranger gives you something to drink … be alert. We are taught to be aware of our surroundings, especially when you go out and consider the company you keep. I have learned to apply these things to my life.”
I asked what he intended to do now that he had graduated. He replied: “I’m going to keep working towards becoming a police officer. I will be attending the Police Orientation Preparation Program (POPP) which is part of the police academy. Becoming a police officer. That is my dream job. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way and never doubted me.” I am looking forward to an invitation to attend his graduation from the Los Angeles Police College in the not too distant future.
