Explorers Program

Law Enforcement Exploring is an educational training program for young adults aimed at familiarizing them with the purposes, mission, and objectives of law enforcement. The program offers career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. Its primary objectives are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and foster their growth as responsible citizens within their communities and the nation. 

Nationally, Law Enforcement Exploring engages over 33,000 Explorers and 8,425 adult volunteers. The program's notable features include the National Law Enforcement Exploring Leadership Academies, ride-alongs, career achievement awards, National Law Enforcement Exploring Conferences, and scholarship opportunities. 

This program serves as a comprehensive introduction to law enforcement, allowing young people to determine if they have an interest in pursuing a career in police work. Additionally, it supports the Celina Police Department in its recruitment efforts. 

Participants in the program will receive training in various aspects of police work and will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in regional, state, and national competitions. Several large departments across the metroplex organize competitions for the aspiring explorers to compete in. Training areas include accident investigation, traffic stops, crime scene search, drug warrant arrests, domestic violence, hostage negotiations, burglary in progress calls, and other law enforcement activities. 

One key aspect of the program is the opportunity for explorers to accompany experienced police officers on duty, providing them with firsthand experience of the daily operations of law enforcement. This practical exposure allows the explorers to witness the application of the training they have received in real-life situations. 

In addition to law enforcement training, the explorers are permitted to work with officers assigned to different divisions within the Celina Police Department. This involvement allows them to gain practical experience in various aspects of law enforcement. 

The explorers will also actively participate in community events such as National Night Out, Splash and Blast, Oktoberfest, Cajun Fest, and more. Many explorers are also involved in school, church, and other civic activities. As representatives of the department, they will wear uniforms that clearly identify them as explorers, similar to our Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). 

The explorer program is open to young people aged 14 to 21, subject to a background screening process for selection. Explorers will engage in weekly meetings, which typically last 2 to 3 hours, involving physical fitness training and classroom activities.