A. The legislature finds that:

(1)     the level and increasingly violent nature of juvenile crime in New Mexico has reached alarming proportions; and

(2)     alcohol and drug abuse among minors remains a serious social problem. B. The purpose of the Law Enforcement Youth Cadet Corps Act is to:

(1)     provide leadership training to students;

(2)     improve awareness and appreciation among students regarding the functions and roles of law enforcement agencies in New Mexico; and

(3)     prepare students to assist as volunteers in law enforcement programs in their own communities, including such programs as neighborhood watch, D.A.R.E. and pounders.