Explorers Program

The Asheboro Police Department is offering youth and young adults ages 15-20 a unique opportunity to apply for membership in its new Law Enforcement Exploring Post. “Explorers,” as members are called, participate in classes taught by veteran officers on topics including crowd control, traffic direction, first aid, community policing, patrol techniques, and many others. Activities are also scheduled during which Explorers get hands-on experience in law enforcement and emergency techniques. Explorers gain confidence and life experience though the program and work toward the reward of a ride-along with a patrol officer. Explorers may also be assigned to accompany patrol officers in the field for special events.

Law Enforcement Exploring is offered to businesses, professional organizations, and civic groups by Learning for Life Corp., and is administered locally through the Boy Scouts of America. The police department partnered with the Boy Scouts to reestablish an Exploring Post similar to one hosted locally in the 1980s. Exploring is a career-education program in which young adults gain practical experience through their respective posts. Explorers learn about career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and gain leadership experience. They also grow from positive leadership fostered by the adults in the post, which offers a safe, supportive, caring, and fun environment.

Fifteen membership positions have been created for the police department’s post. Prospective members submit an application, which is reviewed and considered by post advisors. Those advisors vote on acceptance of new members. New members are notified of their acceptance and their first meeting date.

A post committee oversees the operation of the program. Advisors attend classes to supervise Explorers, help instruct, and answer questions, among their many duties. The post also has several female advisors that attend classes to offer comfort and support for female members. Explorers are issued uniforms and conduct their own business meetings. They are eligible to obtain rank and move up in the leadership of the post. Explorers have a voice about classes and activities in which they would like to participate.

Space in the Exploring program is limited so please contact the police department if you are interested in the program or are the parents of a young adult that may be interested. Contact post committee chairperson Master Lt. Maxine Wright or advisor Officer Carlos Morales at 626-1300. For more information about Learning for Life and Exploring, log on to www.learningforlife.org/exploring. For more information about the Boy Scouts of America, log on to www.scouting.org.