About the Program

The Chapin Police Department is proud to sponsor Chapin Explorer Post 170. These young people participate in a variety of activities and programs that give them a "real-world" perspective to life in the law enforcement field.

Law Enforcement Exploring is the preeminent career orientation and experience program for young people contemplating a career in law enforcement, or a related field in the criminal justice system. Its mission is to offer young adults (ages 14 and have completed the eighth grade and not yet 21 years old) a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition, and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism.

Sponsors

Sponsored by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the country, Law Enforcement Exploring is endorsed by numerous professional organizations, including the International Chiefs of Police Association (IACP) and the National Sheriffs Association (NSA). Since 1959, this highly-respected program has served as a platform from which countless young adults have launched successful careers in law enforcement.

Areas of Emphasis

All Exploring programs are based on the following five areas of emphasis: Career Opportunities, Life Skills, Citizenship, Character Education, and Leadership Experience.

Law Enforcement Exploring fulfills all of these areas of emphasis in its mission to offer Explorers interested in a career in law enforcement the opportunity to:

• Gain exposure to various criminal justice careers and to have positive interaction with law enforcement professionals. [Career Opportunities]
• Obtain “hands-on” experience and awareness of the criminal justice system, thereby helping Explorers to make an informed decision on a career in law enforcement or a related field. [Career Opportunities]
• Receive comprehensive career focused training that in many cases qualifies for academic credit (i.e. career education credit). [Career Opportunities]
• Benefit from interpersonal growth through self-discipline, teamwork, challenging experiences, and high standards of performance and personal conduct. [Citizenship, Character Education]
• Enhance character development and improve physical and mental fitness. [Character Education, Life Skills]
• Learn responsibility to self and others through leadership. [Leadership Experience]
• Serve their community by assisting their sponsoring agency in a supplementary law enforcement and liaison capacity. [Citizenship]

To learn more about participating in Chapin's Explorer Program, contact Capt. Ray Craig by email.