Training Camp Begins For Aspiring Oklahoma Highway Patrol Cadets

Nearly 100 Oklahoma high school students are in Muskogee for a week-long law enforcement training camp.

Cadet Lawman is a free camp put on by OHP and teaches students police driving techniques, firearm safety, and more. Makeighla Idlett said she's interested in a sports medicine career, but she's still learning a lot of useful skills thanks to Cadet Lawman. “I’ve learned how to become a learner, one. All these different workouts. Getting up early," said Idlett.

OHP troopers are the instructors for the juniors and seniors. They're also learning about the bomb squad. Some of the cadets hope to make law enforcement their career.

“There’s not a lot of people out nowadays that want to do something with their community. There’s not a lot of people that want to go out and take those calls or stop that bad guy or do the boring things that law enforcement entail like a bunch of paperwork. I want to do that. I want to serve my community and make a difference," said Clayton Edwards.

Edwards said he immediately applied for Cadet Lawman when he learned about it. They still have courses on lake patrol and drug dogs before graduation on Saturday. He said he can't wait to tell his family about his week at Cadet Lawman.

“I want my mom to see me walk in formation and I really want to see my mom and see how proud she is of me," said Edwards.

OHP is already planning next year’s, Cadet Lawman. They’re hoping to fill around 100 spots. Applications open in January for anyone interested.