Law Enforcement Exploring

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Law Enforcement Exploring or Police Explorers is a volunteer program designed for young adults interested in law enforcement. This program gives young people, ages 14-21 (may vary), the chance to explore a career in law enforcement or simply learn more about the job. Many individuals have used the explorer program as a stepping stone into professional law enforcement careers.

While the program has been operational in the US for over a half century, Exploring is now run as Learning for Life (LFL), a branch of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). They also sponsor Exploring in other careers, such as law, fire, medicine, aviation, and science. Police agencies that want to run a similar program independently generally refer to their organizations as "Police Cadets".

Each post is unique and depends on department policy and guidelines to determine activities and training. Some typical activities include uniformed patrol ride-alongs to observe officers at work, classes on law enforcement topics, and interacting with public during street fairs, parades, or other civic events. Some posts specialize in or contribute to Explorer Search and Rescue missions.

Every two years, Learning for Life hosts a national conference for Law Enforcement Explorers. The conferences include role-playing scenarios that law enforcement officers regularly encounter, seminars, and networking opportunities. In 2006, the conference was held in Flagstaff, AZ at the Northern Arizona University Campus. More information here: [1].