This specialty youth career oriented program is endorsed by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriff's Association. More than 2,800 police and sheriff's departments have organized explorer posts specializing in law enforcement. These posts can provide assistance in crime prevention programs and traffic control, and as aides to patrol officers. The explorers have the benefit of seeing first hand what exactly the law enforcement profession entails and whether or not they would like to pursue this as their chosen profession.

What is Law Enforcement Exploring?

Law Enforcement Exploring is a program of the Boy Scouts of America. Through the Police Department Explorer Post, young people between ages 14 and 21 learn the role of law enforcement in the community. Explorers learn police-oriented skills and share other activities. Through their training they are able to provide services to the Department, such as searches, traffic details, security for public events and other non-enforcement type activities.

The objectives of the Laurel Police Department Explorer's Post are to educate interested youths in methods and objectives of law enforcement, to encourage Explorer participation in rewarding and productive services activity and to provide substance abuse prevention education.

Under the Laurel Police Department Explorer's Post, our explorers have volunteered numerous hours of their time to assist the police department in many activities including fundraisers, parade assistance, and traffic and crowd control at public events.

Several former members of the Laurel Police Explorer Post have gone on to work in our Communications Division and as Animal Warden/Parking Enforcement Officers as well as Police Officers.

If you are interested in becoming an Explorer, please contact the Department at 301-498-0092.