LAPD Cadets Arrested for Stolen Patrol Cars
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested seven teenagers in its cadet program after patrol cars and equipment were stolen from the agency’s motor pool.

Photo via Flickr/Tomás Del Coro

Photo via Flickr/Tomás Del Coro
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested seven teenagers in its cadet program after patrol cars and equipment were stolen from the agency’s motor pool. Three patrol cars were stolen from two locations, as well as two Tasers, two police radios, and a bulletproof vest.
At a press conference, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said the cadets manipulated the agency’s automated motor pool system by logging in with the name of a sergeant who was on vacation. The first vehicle was discovered missing after a young cadet was seen filling up a police cruiser at an agency-owned fueling station.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the city's civilian-led Police Commission will ask the LAPD's inspector general to look into how the agency recruits and supervises its cadets.
The LAPD Cadet Program is open to members of the community between 13 and 20 years old. Currently, 2,300 cadets are enrolled in the program. The LAPD plans to review its cadet program as well as its equipment management systems.
More Police

Why Public Fleet Success Depends on More Than the Vehicles
Tim Coxwell of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office discusses the projects shaping his fleet operation, including long-term work around vehicle selection, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost per mile.
Read More →
Havis Acquires Pro-gard Products
The acquisition brings together two manufacturers of public safety vehicle equipment under one company. Havis says the move expands its portfolio of products for outfitting law enforcement vehicles and other public safety fleets.
Read More →
RTA Fleet Introduces AI Assistant for Fleet360 Platform
As artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across public-sector operations, fleet software providers are finding new ways to incorporate the technology into everyday workflows. RTA's latest addition aims to simplify how users interact with fleet data.
Read More →
2026 Police Fleet Innovators Named
Meet the professionals finding new ways to solve some of law enforcement's toughest fleet challenges.
Read More →
Rynse Expands Nationwide Fleet Wash Access for Law Enforcement
The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Contract Cooperative purchasing contract aims to streamline procurement process for law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Read More →
Maryland Natural Resources Police Adds 31-Foot Patrol Boat to Enforcement Fleet
A new addition to Maryland’s marine enforcement fleet is bringing expanded capabilities to Chesapeake Bay operations while honoring a legacy within the agency. The high-performance patrol vessel reflects how law enforcement fleets are adapting to growing demands on the water.
Read More →
LEHR Expands Florida Presence With Enforcement One Acquisition
LEHR has acquired Florida-based emergency vehicle upfitter Enforcement One, marking its eighth add-on acquisition.
Read More →
Maryland’s Wicomico County Sheriff Adds Mustang GT Patrol Vehicles
The agency is also working with the Maryland Police Training Commission on a specialized high-performance driving course for deputies assigned to the vehicles.
Read More →
NYC Surpasses 1,000 EVs in Police Fleet
New York City now has the largest EV law enforcement fleet in North America, according to the city.
Read More →
Mooresville Police Department Launches Drone First Responder Program
The Mooresville Police Department has launched a Drone First Responder program, using drones to provide real-time aerial support and faster situational awareness during emergency calls.
Read More →

