What is Law Enforcement Exploring?

Exploring is the young adult career education program of Learning for Life for both young men and women who are age 14 through 20 years of age. Law Enforcement Exploring is a youth development program centered on law enforcement careers. Law Enforcement Explorers might choose to take part in crime prevention activities, community policing, traffic control, fingerprinting, ride-alongs, patrol procedures, and connecting activities with high schools, court systems, and national, state, and local academies. The bottom line is that Law Enforcement Exploring is an action-oriented, hands-on career discovery program. Exploring is a division of the Boy Scouts of America.

Qualifications

• • Be 14 to 20 years of age.
  • Have a good moral character.
  • Remain in school while in the program or until graduation.
  • Maintain a “C” average or higher.
  • Not have a serious police record. (No Class B Misdemeanor charges or higher.)
  • No Class C Misdemeanors on their record involving drugs/alcohol or crimes against persons (i.e. assault)
  • Not more than three traffic citations within a 12-month period.
  • Be able to attend Explorer meetings.
  • Be willing to volunteer your time to attend Explorer functions.
  • Be willing to commit to the Explorer Code and exemplify the professional image of the GPD.
  • Attend two observation meetings prior to the applying.

Both male and female young adults who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

• • Each applicant is required to complete the following documents in full:
  • Post application (includes consent for background investigation)
  • Learning for Life Application
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination (if vaccination is declined)
  • Medical Release Form
  • Liability Release Form
  • Photograph Release Form
  • Statement of Understanding
  • Complete and pass an interview
  • Pass a background investigation
  • Explorer staff and advisors decide on acceptance or non-acceptance

Upon acceptance into the Explorer program, new members are placed on probation for a period not to exceed six months. During this period, the Explorer must actively participate in all Explorer meetings and activities. Failing to participate will result in their removal from the program. They must also maintain good grades in school, have no involvement in criminal activity, and maintain a good driving record to remain in the program.

The Police Explorers are representatives of the Police Department and must conduct their private and professional lives in such a manner as to avoid adverse reflection on the program and/or the Police Department.

Meetings are held at the Public Safety and Operations Training Center at 3500 D.B. Wood Road and typically last two hours.

If you have any questions, contact Officer Trey Walters by calling 737-215-5009 or emailing trey.walters@georgetown.org

Once accepted into the Explorer Program the Learning for Life begins.

Education

Instruction is provided by sworn law enforcement personnel, guest speakers, and senior Explorers at weekly meetings. Through prior training and experience, they teach Explorers techniques and skills in law enforcement disciplines ranging from crime prevention to crime scene investigation. In addition, from these weekly meetings and community service events, Explorers gain valuable interpersonal and life skills.

Law Enforcement Explorers receive training that is similar to what sworn law enforcement personnel receive. These skills are then put to the test in a variety of scenarios at state and national competitions. Some topics the Explorers are trained in include:

• • History of Law Enforcement
  • Building Searches
  • Traffic Stops
  • Traffic Accident Investigation
  • Procedures for Investigations
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Evidence Processing
  • Fingerprinting
  • Firearms
  • Arrest and Search Techniques
  • Patrol Techniques
  • Criminal/Traffic Law
  • Report Writing
  • Traffic/Crowd Control
  • Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
  • Radio Procedures
  • Emergency First Aid