POUGHKEEPSIE – The successful Law Enforcement Explorer Program sponsored by the Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff’s PBA, with the support of Sheriff Butch Anderson, began in September of 2019 and is once again seeking new recruits by holding an open house on Saturday, September 19, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Applications must be received prior to the start of the open house. Requests for applications can be made by emailing DCExplorer108@gmail.com.
The PBA provides an innovative program for high school students grades 9-12, that attend Dutchess County schools. The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is a nationwide program chartered through the Boy Scouts of America & Learning for Life. This Youth Program is offered by hundreds of Law Enforcement Agencies nationwide and has been designed to establish a positive relationship between Law Enforcement and the community while providing hands-on training and experience in the field of Law Enforcement to young people in our area.
Second-year Cadet Raquan White speaking about the program said “I really enjoy this program because it really shows you all the hard work police officers actually do on a day to day basis. It’s not all car chases and foot pursuits, the instructors teach us how to talk to people and use our critical thinking skills to solve problems. This program has definitely changed my life for the better and I recommend it to anyone who is even thinking about a career in law enforcement because I promise you it’ll make you a better person in the end.”
The Explorer Program is a multi-phase, year-long program that coincides with the school year. Cadets will attend Explorer Post Meetings twice a month at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center in Poughkeepsie. Meetings will usually be held on Monday evening between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm.
“I enjoyed getting a better look at law enforcement, learning the requirements it takes to work in the field and receiving some training on different aspects of police work before joining the academy. Most importantly, It is a great way to build a positive relationship between officers and young teens,” said second-year Explorer Sandra Ksar.
The program has been designed to be a hands-on interactive experience for motivated youth considering a career in law enforcement. Attendees have the unique opportunity to interact and learn in a safe environment with law-enforcement officers. Attendees, through team-building exercises, classroom instruction, physical fitness training, and numerous hands-on training activities will receive an appreciation for the challenges facing law enforcement and how they attempt to successfully accomplish their mission in our community.
Participants must fill out the Application Packet and complete the Health and Medical forms; have a good school record, a clear criminal background, and parental permission. This program is not intended or designed for children with disciplinary problems. The Explorer Program is not a “boot camp” for troubled youth. Youth interested in joining should contact DCExplorer108@gmail.com to request a Cadet Application Packet.
All submitted applications will be reviewed in the order they are received to ensure that each applicant meets the requirements. A background check will be conducted on each applicant who submits a complete application and a waiting list will be established. Limited positions are available.
