Civic Pride , Community Service
The Youth Explorer Program seeks to educate and involve youth in police operations and to interest them in a possible future career as a law enforcement officer .
Explorers are challenged to expand their knowledge of policing , as well as their civic roles within the community through service . Explorers are trained in several different policing aspects which prepares them for a career in law enforcement and the Explorer competitions .
Youth Explorer Program
The Arlington Police Department ’ s Explorer Post 602 is one of the longest running posts in Texas . Established in the mid-seventies , Post 602 has introduced many young people to careers in law enforcement .
Affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life Program , Explorer Post membership is open to ages from 14 to 20 who are interested in pursuing a law enforcement career . Members receive police-related training and exposure , including rideouts with APD patrol officers . Explorer Post members are also involved in many community service projects in Arlington .
The structure of the Explorer Post 602 mirrors that of a typical police department . Opportunities for leadership within the post occur by promotion . The post is led by a captain , followed by a lieutenant , and a sergeant under the supervision of adult advisors who are officers of the APD School Resource Unit .
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