Bartow Police Explorer Program

Law Enforcement Exploring is a hands-on program open to young men and women who are between the ages of 14 and 21 years old, and interested in a career in law enforcement or a related field in the criminal justice system.

The Explorer Program offers young adults 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.

The Bartow Police Department Explorer's Program is designed for young adults who are interested in Law Enforcement as a possible career choice. Explorers receive training at weekly meetings and specially scheduled training sessions. As an Explorer, you will be trained in all areas of law enforcement including:

• Traffic Stops
• Traffic Crash Investigations
• Crisis Intervention
• Domestic Violence
• First Aid
• Search and Arrest
• . In Progress Calls
• Crime Scene Processing
• Criminal and State Statues

In addition, Explorers compete in the State Explorers' Competition with other young adults from across Florida.

Membership Requirements

To be a member of the Explorer's program candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be between the ages of 14 and 21
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA (in school or college prep courses)
• Pass a criminal background check (no serious criminal history)
• Attend weekly meetings and other training/community functions
• Pass an oral review board conducted by the Advisors and Ranking Explorers

Explorer Meetings

Explorers typically meet twice monthly.

Ride Along Program

Explorers are encouraged to participate in the Ride-Along Program with officers to learn and gain real-life experiences. In order to participate in the Ride-Along program, Explorers must have reached the age of completing the 40-hour Ride-Along Academy and have advisor approval.

Bartow Police Explorer Post #631

Youth Volunteer Program

The Explorer Program is designed for young people between the ages of 14-21 who are interested in law enforcement. The Explorer Post 631 is supervised by Bartow Police Officers and receive training in a variety of areas including: Patrol, Traffic Enforcement, Firearms Training, and they participate in Explorer Competitions with other agencies from around the State of Florida.

The Explorer Program offers young adults 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, building leadership qualities by working as a team, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism.

Many of the members eventually choose to enter the law enforcement profession as they mature and continue in the program.

For more information on the Explorer Program, go to Bartow Police Explorers, or call the Patrol Commander at (863) 534-5034.