Lansing. Next week, 36 high school students will live the life of a Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper recruit during the 32nd annual American Legion Student Trooper Program, at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing.

From July 28 to August 1, between wake-up at 5 a.m. and lights-out at 10 p.m., the students will learn about traffic and criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms and marksmanship fundamentals, first-aid, water safety, patrol tactics, crash investigations, law enforcement career opportunities, forensic science, conservation law, narcotics, and underwater recovery.

"Just like an actual Trooper Recruit School, this is an intensive law enforcement training program designed to promote education and teamwork," said Captain Gary Nix, commander of the MSP Training Division. "These students will leave this school with a better understanding of law enforcement and life skills that will help them reach their goals, whether that be a career in law enforcement or a related field."

The week-long program is conducted by MSP officers with assistance from deputies and local police officers. The school is designed for highly motivated young men and women who are seriously interested in a career in law enforcement. In order to attend, each student is responsible for securing his/her own sponsorship from one of the American Legion offices located throughout the state.

The students accepted to the 32nd American Legion Student Trooper Program are:

SPECIAL NOTE: Hometown media representatives wishing to spend a day with a student from their coverage area may do so by contacting Ms. Marilu Anglebrandt at (517) 636-0464