Program prepares youth for law enforcement careers
The city of Huber Heights Police Explorers program is an excellent opportunity for students between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. This program provides valuable training and experience that can help prepare young people for a future in the field.
Participants will have the chance to work alongside experienced police officers, learn about various aspects of law enforcement, and take part in hands-on activities that simulate real-life scenarios. The program also emphasizes teamwork, leadership skills, and community involvement.
There are 16 Explorers currently, and they celebrated their accomplishments at the Huber Heights Police Explorer Awards Banquet on March 4.
The Police Explorers program includes different levels of participation that allow individuals to progress and take on more responsibility.
■ The Basic level is for those who attend meetings but have not yet attended the Explorer Law Enforcement Academy.
■ Badged Explorers are active at meetings and have completed the academy, which takes approximately six months. They are eligible to participate in ride-alongs with HHPD officers.
■ To become a Sergeant, one must have been a badged explorer for at least six months, pass a written test, and score high on an interview. There are three Sergeants in the program.
■ The Lieutenant position requires prior Sergeant experience and passing an interview panel. Only one Lieutenant is allowed at a time, and the process is done once a year to give others the opportunity to gain leadership experience.
■ There is also one Captain position.
The different levels within the program provide opportunities for growth and development as participants gain knowledge and skills in law enforcement, while taking on increasing levels of responsibility within the organization.
This past weekend the Huber Heights Police Explorer Post competed in the Clark County Competition and took home the win. The Explorers go up against a team in different area situational simulations such as a domestic violence, crisis intervention, traffic stop, disorderly conduct, and an unknown situation. They are then judged for how they handle the call and working together to resolve the situation. Next up, the explorers will attend the State Explorer Conference in April, where they will compete again against other Explorer posts from all over Ohio.
If you have a young person between the ages of 14 and 20 who is interested in learning more about the HHPD Police Explorer program, please contact Post Advisor Officer Drew Olinger at dolinger@hhoh.org. Residents can keep up with the Huber Heights Police Department on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ HHOHPoliceDivision.