The Law Enforcement Explorer program is a Joplin Police Dept. youth-oriented program. It is affiliated with the special interest phase of the Boy Scouts of America.

As with many high visibility careers, law enforcement often is viewed as a glamorous profession which is often distorted by the press and media. Young people want hands-on experience, real career information, and knowledge. Exploring seeks to match your interest the Police Officers who will share their knowledge and skills.

Today, there are more than 40,000 young men and women in Law Enforcement Explorer programs. These programs give the opportunity for young adults to explore law enforcement careers, the criminal justice system, and to promote character development and citizenship among American youth. Who Are Law Enforcement Explorers? The Joplin Police Dept. Explorers are a group of young men and women 14-20 years of age, who are interested in law enforcement. As an Explorer, you will gain a working knowledge of the law enforcement field by hands-on experience. Through our weekly meetings and training sessions, we will cover a wide range of police procedures, such as:

• Traffic/Crowd control
• Accident investigation
• Court procedures
• Radio communications
• Search and arrest
• Criminal law
• Crime prevention/Community relations
• Self-defense
• First aid and CPR
• Firearms safety/Competition shooting
• Crime scene processing
• Ride –along program
• Hostage negotiations
• Domestic crisis intervention

The Explorer’s also participate in community and civic events such as crowd control during parades and finger printing of children. We also tour other law enforcement agencies and have guest speakers such as the FBI, SRT, and Drug Enforcement.

The explorers also participate in Law enforcement Conferences held across the United States. We compete with other posts in police-related competitive events. At these conferences we also have the opportunity to attend seminars and demonstrations put on by many state and federal law enforcement agencies, etc.

Even with all the training, competition, and community events the post is involved in, there is still time for fun.

Do you qualify?

AGE: 14 through 20 must be enrolled in the 9th grade or above.

CHARACTER: Must be of good moral character and personal habits and be willing to submit to a criminal background check and must maintain a 2.0 GPA scholastically.

RESIDENCY: Reside within the area of Joplin. RULES: You must comply with all of the rules and regulations as set forth by the Post and be able to attend meetings and participate in Post activities.

Membership Procedures At the first meeting you will be asked to fill out a Law Enforcement Explorer Registration Form and a Post Application. Your application will be reviewed and checked. If you successfully complete the forms you will then be put on a probation period and become a member of our post.