The Columbia Police Department is launching a Police Explorers Program for students ages 16 to 20 that will give them real-life experience toward a career in law enforcement.
Students will be trained in the same way as officers at accredited law enforcement academies.
In addition to knowing how to write reports and manage a crime scene, students will be taught about use of force and when it can be applied and even some firearms training with certified range operators. Their hands-on training will also extend to participating in community events and working traffic control at local sporting events. By shadowing city police officers, students will also be able to see the daily routine of officers in their hometown.
“Our goal with starting this program is to help our students get into Criminal Justice degree programs at a junior college and when they turn 21, we can hire them and send them straight to the academy,” Police Chief Michael Kelly said. “Once we get these students through the academy and they become full-time officers in the community they’ve invested in, they are going to stay here for their career. There are stories out there about officers entering the ranks as explorers and retiring as the chief of their hometown. That’s the story we want to write.”
Jenn Bass will be the commander of the Explorers Program and will be assisted by other officers during their class times.
“This is a unique opportunity to serve your community and gain a great deal of self-worth. This program will train you to do anything you want, even if it’s not being a police officer,” Bass told the recruits at the Explorer Open House Wednesday.
Working as a branch of the Boy Scouts of America, the Explorers Program is a nationwide initiative, and many police departments have started their own. However, the Columbia Police Department is the only agency in the Pine Belt to do it, with the next closest one on the Gulf Coast.
Applications for the Explorers Program will be accepted for a couple more weeks. Students or guardians interested in learning more about the program or signing up can call the Columbia Police Department at (601) 736-8225.
Pictured Above: Columbia Police Officer Michael Welch shows the proper handcuffing technique during an open house for the department’s new Explorers Program Wednesday. It gives young people training for a career in law enforcement. | Photo by Brandi Perry
