Exploring program expanding in Mower County; Offers hands-on opportunities in law enforcement to youth
Published 7:53 am Thursday, May 24, 2018
- Exploring will give Mower County youth hands-on law enforcement experience. Photo provided
Youth in Mower County will have the opportunity to learn more about careers in law enforcement as the Exploring program will be establishing a new post with the Austin Police and Mower County Sheriff’s departments.
Created in 1935, the Exploring program is open to youth aged 14-20. Eligible youth can participate no matter where they are from.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth of the community,” said Erik Karre, District Director of the Exploring program. “I look at the program as a great way for a business to bridge the gap between the traditional job shadow and the full-fledged job after college. It gives youth a hands-on experience in whatever career field they are wanting to explore.”
LeRoy already has Law Enforcement and EMS Explorer Posts with the LeRoy Fire Department and LeRoy Area Ambulance Association.
Youth in the program will give direction to the program as youth officers. Planned programs for the next few months include criminal law procedures, firearm safety, shooting pistols, law enforcement K9 program, traffic investigation, drugs and narcotics, crime scene procedures, use of force and emergency vehicles.
In addition to the career exposure, participants will also develop leadership skills, improve marksmanship, participate in local and national competitions, network with law enforcement, be able to apply for college scholarships available only to Explorers and more.
There will be an open house held with hands-on activities for 14-20 year old boys and girls at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, at the Mower County Law Enforcement Center, 201 First St. NE, to learn more about the program.
Youth are asked to bring a parent or guardian with them. The cost to register for this year-round program is $16.
Exploring will give Mower County youth the opportunity to learn about law enforcement. Photo provided
Other career areas are being identified in the Mower County area, including fire and EMS, aviation, health and medical, law, engineering, communications, fine arts, skilled trades and more. Visit www.exploring.org to get all the details about this program.
For more information about the Exploring program in Austin, contact the Mower County Law Enforcement Center at 507-437-9400 and ask for Officer Tyler Freeman, Officer Dustin Hicks or Officer Jorge Jimenez.
For general questions about Exploring or to establish programs in your business or town, contact Karre at 308-440-2641 or erik.karre@scouting.org.
