The Oklahoma Highway Patrol began its week-long free summer program called Cadet Lawman on June 4-10 at Connors State College in Warner, Okla.

The program is offered to students between their junior and senior years of high school.

So far, 5,155 seniors from across the state have attended the program. It is estimated 35% of Cadet Lawman attendees later choose a career in the law enforcement field.

This year, 123 young men and women are expected to participate.

The program allows the cadets to participate in live air-to-ground traffic patrol riding in the OHP aircraft while troopers make traffic stops on the ground.

Cadets are also given basic driving techniques, precision and accuracy, and have hands-on experience in real patrol cars.

Cadets will get to observe the practical applications of equipment used by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Special Services Troops.

The program also includes an extensive, safety-first course in firearms training.

"The Oklahoma Highway Patrol does not use Cadet Lawman as a recruiting tool, but many of our alumni go on to become troopers or work in law enforcement," said Captain Jansen Idlett, Commandant of the 49th Cadet Lawman Academy. "This camp is a leadership program that teaches students valuable life skills that will assist them in any career path they may choose."

The program is staffed by troopers, officers, communication officers, and other law enforcement personnel. It is sponsored by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Troopers Association, and the Oklahoma Elks Majors Project.