The Sweet Home Police Department Explorer Program is intended to be a challenging and interesting opportunity for young people who have an interest in a career in law enforcement. The program is designed to educate and involve the youth of our community in police operations and to interest them in law enforcement functions, whether they ultimately enter police work, or not. Through youth involvement, the Sweet Home Police Department Explorer Program will establish an awareness of the complexities of police services.

Program Requirements:

The overall Explorer Program is under the umbrella of the the Boy Scouts of America.

• The program is open to males and females ages 14 (and have completed the 8th grade) to 20.
• A scholastic standard requiring minimum grades for entry and participation.
• A background check of potential members to determine that the applicant has not been convicted of a serious crime and is of good moral character.
• Parental approval for those less than 18 years of age and a general liability release.
• Regular attendance at training sessions and a commitment to observe police and dispatch operations through a monthly ride-along program.

Life skills to be learned by Explorers:

Career Skills, including proper dress, punctuality, etc.
Social Skills, including interaction with peers and supervisors in a quasi-military structure.
Service to the Community, by way of crime prevention programs, Special Olympic support, first aid training, etc.
Leadership, through observation of police community functions, courts, correctional institutions, etc.
Fitness, including police physical agility course, defensive tactics, etc.
Outdoor skills, including crime scene search, crowd and traffic control, map reading, etc.

Interested individuals should complete the Sweet Home Explorer Program Application and contact their school career center or Sweet Home Police Explorer Coordinator Chris Wingo.