The Grundy County Sheriff's Police Explorer Program is open to young men and women who are between the ages 14-20, and who have an interest in law enforcement as a profession. Exploring gives them the opportunity and the chance to work directly with Police Officers, go on ride-a-longs, receive police training, meet new friends, and feel good about helping out in your community. Through the Explore
r Program, Explorers have a hands-on, close-up chance to learn how the law works in their community. Come of the training topics include; Traffic crashes, Police report writing, Criminal laws (state & local), Fi****ms, the Dangers of Drugs, Motor Vehicle laws, Self Defense, First Aid/CPR and Crime Scene Investigation and Processing. The Explorer Program is the young adult division of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). While the program is part of the BSA, the Explorer program is distinctly different than scouting. The Explorer program is co-educational, developed and supervised by local community organizations, and provides members with opportunities to explore particular career fields. Explorer meetings are held twice a month at the Grundy County Sheriff's Office located at 111 E. Explorers participate in a mandatory once a month fitness day in addition to regularly scheduled meetings. Youth benefits of Exploring include:
* Stimulated interest in continuing education.
* Career information; insight into future vocation.
* Positive alternative to negative youth activities such as drug abuse and involvement with gangs.
* Sense of acceptance and belonging to the "right" group.
* Safe environment for adult like activities
* Opportunities to participate in practical, real, and meaningful hands-on experiences.
* Service to others
* New career and personal skills.
* Opportunities to try leadership roles and develop skills.
* Cooperative relationship between youths and adults. Grundy County Sheriff's Police Explorers are expected to:
* Complete a written application
* Clear a background investigation
* Participate in an interview with a Post Advisor or Officer
* Maintain a 2.0 GPA while enrolled in school
* Must be at least 16 years of age and maintain a 2.5 GPA to participate in ride-a-long programs and fi****ms.
* Have no serious police record.
* Attend regular meetings, conferences, training events and competitions.
* Be willing to volunteer time to participate in Explorer functions.
* Maintain a neat appearance and manner in compliance with policies of the Sheriff's Department and the Post.
* Pay an annual membership fee of $24 as required by the BSA, and other local dues which help defray the costs of awards, badges and other items.
* Have complete approval of legal parents or guardians.
* Have completed the Eighth grade and be between the ages 14-20.
