With a growing scandal emerging, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck reiterated his support for the cadet program during its graduation ceremony Saturday.
The ceremony came just days after seven cadets were recently arrested for their alleged involvement in stealing LAPD squad cars -- which culminated in two high speed chases and crashes -- and an officer was arrested for allegedly having sex with one of the accused cadets.
Despite the arrests, Beck has expressed support for the program, a sentiment reinforced during his address to cadets and their families.
He conducted a personal inspection of the graduating class before the 11 a.m. ceremony at USC's Galen Center.
Ahead of the graduation, he encouraged the media and public to attend "so they can see the other 2,200 cadets who so well served this city and are such good examples of young people in Los Angeles."
"Normally, cadet graduations are a time for celebration," he said.
"They are a time to recognize the hard work of the young people sitting in front of me, the commitment that their families have shown, the commitment of the department to your future, and as a joyous time. And today is joyous, because we will recognize you. I am proud of you."
But Beck also noted it was "also a somber day, because of the events of the past week."
While discussing commitments and lessons learned in the cadet program, Beck reassured parents and cadets about the program as he celebrated their achievements.
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"We will take care of your kids like they are our own," Beck said. "We are committed to the safety of these young people and to the development of their futures."
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Officer Robert Cain, 31, a 10-year LAPD veteran, was arrested Thursday for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl who was a member of the LAPD's cadet program. Beck personally took Cain into custody at the 77th Street Division station, where he is assigned. More than 100 weapons, including sawed-off shotguns, were seized at his home, a source close to the investigation said Friday.
Cain's arrest came after the arrest of seven juvenile participants stemming from the theft of three police cruisers. The 15-year-old girl involved in the alleged sexual relationship with Cain is one of those seven, according to the chief.
Three cadets were arrested at the end of two vehicle pursuits the night of June 14. Police recovered the two cruisers involved in the chases, then found a third parked nearby. Four additional cadets were later arrested.
Six of the arrested cadets were assigned to the 77th Street Division program and one was assigned to the Pacific Division. Beck last week suspended the cadet program at those two divisions.
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The cadets are believed to have pulled people over while impersonating officers and also are suspected of stealing LAPD equipment, including tasers, radios and a bulletproof vest.
Investigators believe the cadets used their knowledge of the LAPD's computer inventory system to check the vehicles out under the name of a sergeant who was on vacation, Beck said.
