Junior cops

Students Maribel Rodriguez, left, and Sandra Vasquez take a break from the program, a more rigorous spinoff of an introductory police academy magnet program operated at six Los Angeles high schools and middle schools.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Students Eduardo Serrano and Christina Barrientos, center, make a presentation during economics class. Public speaking is emphasized because police officers often have to testify in court.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Students Andrew Navarro and Rosalia Cruz attend class. The program allows 12th-grade pupils to earn their high school diplomas and work toward a college associate’s degree as they prepare for a law enforcement career. Community college students in the program position themselves to enter the LAPD’s training academy upon graduation.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Student Fred Worley jumps over a six-foot fence during physical training, just part of the curriculum. Other classes are criminal investigations, police administration, community relations, English, psychology, writing and economics.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Leslie Castro hoists herself over a 6-foot fence during physical training required of the students. About 120 high school seniors start out with a monthlong boot camp in the summer, and the roster typically shrinks to about 100 by the time the fall school term starts.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Students in the program participate in physical training. The program started 4 1/2 years ago and is hoped to eventually provide up to 50 new officers to the LAPD each year.  (Christina House / For The Times)