The Bloomington Police Department is now accepting applications for its new Police Explorer Group which will allow men and women ages 14 to 20 to learn what it takes to be a police officer.
“We had tremendous success with the recent Teen Police Academy,” Chief Michael Diekhoff said in a press release. “The Explorer program will be a great way to build on that success and continue with BPD’s outreach to the youth of our community by exposing them to what a career in law enforcement might look like.”
In order to be eligible for the group, applicants must have completed eighth grade, have and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and have no major criminal record, among other criteria.
“We’re looking for kids who are really interested in pursuing this type of career,” Lt. Steve Kellams said. “It’s going to be a commitment.”
Group members will be expected to attend regular meetings and participate in events.
They will be taught about first aid, CPR, evidence gathering and physical fitness along with other leadership skills.
Kellam said group members will also have the opportunity to go on “ride-alongs” with uniformed officers.
Kellam said the department hopes to provide the group with uniforms and special explorers badges so they can help police at local events, festivals or patrolling on the B-Line trail.
He emphasized that the group members will never be working without the help and supervision of a certified officer.
“It’s a great opportunity for these kids to interact with the community, learn how to be good stewards and good citizens and for them to learn about us,” Kellams said.
With the public’s growing distrust of America’s law enforcement, Kellams said it is important that youth trust police and understand how they do their job.
He also noted that explorer groups like this one are good ways to recruit future officers and promote diversity in the department.
“I think if IU students are interested in law enforcement they should definitely get involved,” Kellams said. “The IU Police Academy is a tremendous program, but you have to be 21 for that one.”
