Training for Law Enforcement Explorers

Explorers may assist police with traffic control duties

The Law Enforcement Explorer Training program is administered by the Learning for Life organization (a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America) to educate youth about the objectives of law enforcement agencies, to provide an opportunity for youth to engage in competition, for recreation and to help them be prepared to become better citizens through character development, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.

How it Works

The Law Enforcement Explorers program partners youth with law enforcement officers as part of a ride-along program. This allows the youth to observe the law enforcement professional at work.

Some departments take youth involvement a step further by using Explorers to assist with tasks such as record keeping, telecommunications, crime prevention and crowd and traffic control.

Law enforcement agencies also allow the Explorers to participate in a mix of education and training activities, as well as competitive and recreation activities.

Subject Matter

Explorers participate in a basic training program followed up by additional periodic training sessions. According to the Learning for Life organization, typical Law Enforcement Explorer basic training programs include history of law enforcement, patrol procedures, criminal law, juvenile law, arrest, search and seizure, report writing, crisis intervention, ethics, self-defense, traffic and crowd control, accident investigation, traffic stops (misdemeanor and felony), basic first aid and CPR, radio communication procedures, crime prevention techniques, crime scene search techniques, community and public relations, dangerous drugs and narcotics and criminology.

College Credit

In many cases, college students can earn academic credit for completion of a comprehensive Law Enforcement Explorer basic training course.

Maintain Grades

To participate in the Law Enforcement Explorer program, students may be required to make good grades in their normal schoolwork. For instance, the Phoenix Police Department requires Explorers to maintain at least a "C" average.

Earning Scholarships

By participating in the program, Explorers have access to a variety of scholarship opportunities. For example, the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office offers several scholarships for participants in the Oklahoma County Law Enforcement Explorers program.

References

• Learning for Life
• Oklahoma County Explorers
• Pheonix Explorers

Resources

• Learning for Life