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Explorer program lets young people decide if they may want a cop career |
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Tuesday, 10 March 2009 |
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is starting a program to let teenagers and young adults decide if they may be interested in a career in law enforcement.
The program is for ages 14-20.
Explorer will give participants hands-on training, allowing them to meet and learn of patrol officers, detectives, narcotic agents, crime scene specialists, K-9 handlers, SWAT team members and more.
The goal is to teach young adults the values needed to succeed in a law enforcement career, Detective Jeremy Hammons said.
Hammons participated in the Explorer program in Ashley Coun-ty when he was growing up.
“I knew I wanted to be a cop, and the program helped me see the real world of policing,” he said.
“Kids watch ‘Cops’ and it looks like fun, but they don’t realize all the behind-the-scenes work. This program gives them a realistic view of law enforcement.”
Anyone interested in the program may sign up throughout the year, Hammons said. The sheriff’s office will accept 25 applicants for the first phase of the program.
“We will do background checks just like we would on someone applying for a job,” he said.
A meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, for interested young adults and their parents to learn more and meet with Sheriff Bruce Pennington and advisers Hammons and Detective Sgt. Alison Hoskins. The meeting will be held at the sheriff’s office off Neeley Street in Benton.
Participants will work with deputies, dispatchers and detectives during ride-a-longs with deputies. They will have the opportunity to learn business and communication skills in a professional setting.
Some of the things participants will learn include Arkansas motor vehicle and traffic laws, search and seizure processes, report writing and note-taking, handcuffing and arrest procedures, crowd and traffic control, use of force procedures, how to handle crimes in progress, and firearms safety and range training.
Hammons said Saline County Explorers will have the opportunity to visit and tour correctional facilities, federal and state agencies, court rooms, museums and adventure tours.
“This is a great way for them to get involved in the community and learn about law enforcement,” he said.
To become an Explorer, people must attend one of the monthly meetings at the sheriff’s office. After the first meeting on April 14, meetings will be held the third Tuesday of each month. A fee of $10 is required at registration.
A copy of birth certificate is required and for people under 18, parental consent is required. Explorers must be in high school or college and maintain a C or better average in school. Good physical health is necessary and participants should have “good moral character” and have no arrests or convictions .
For more information, call 303-5608.
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