explorer program
What: The opportunity for young people to get an inside look into a career in law enforcement.
Ages: 14 - 21 years old
Established in 1992 in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America Police Explorer Program offers youth, ages 14 to 21 years old, the opportunity to get an inside look into a career in law enforcement through volunteer work, participation in community events, training and the police ride along program.
As volunteers with the department, explorers donate several hours each month to assist in day-to-day operations within the police department. Through volunteer work, explorers learn how to do the job of police department employees in virtually every division. In exchange for this service, explorers receive police training through interaction with law enforcement professionals.
The program is supervised by one police sergeant and six police officers who also serve as mentors to the youth. Our compliment of explorers is currently seventeen, five of which serve as the explorer command staff. This staff consists of one Explorer Captain, one Explorer Lieutenant and three Explorer Sergeants. Command staff oversees day-to-day operations within the post and reports back to the explorer advisors. Selection of explorer participants is similar to the selection process of city employees. Recommendations for acceptance into the program are submitted to the Chief of Police, who makes the final selection.
Highlights include:
- Completion of 950 volunteer hours in 2006
- Received four awards for their performance at the 2006 Explorer Conference in Colorado Springs, CO
