NCJ Number
57591
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 46 Issue: 11 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1977) Pages: 15-20
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
'EXPLORING,' THE YOUNG ADULT DIVISION OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, IS DESCRIBED IN TERMS OF ITS PROGRAM OF COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AT VARIOUS LEVELS FOR THE MUTUAL BENEFIT OF EXPLORERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
Abstract
'EXPLORING' IS A NATIONWIDE MOVEMENT OF 350,000 YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 21 PARTICIPATING IN CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAMS DESIGNED AND ADMINISTERED BY EXPLORING, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, WITH THE COOPERATION AND SUPPORT OF BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS. LAW ENFORCEMENT PERENNIALLY SCORES HIGH ON THE LIST OF CAREER INTERESTS AMONG EXPLORERS. LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORING ASSISTS POLICE AND SHERIFF DEPARTMENTS, STATE POLICE AND HIGHWAY PATROL AGENCIES, AND PRIVATE, INDUSTRIAL, AND MILITARY SECURITY FACILITIES IN PROVIDING EXPLORERS WITH AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CAREERS AVAILABLE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. CURRENTLY, OVER 30,000 EXPLORERS ARE ENROLLED IN 1,400 LAW ENFORCEMENT POSTS FROM ALASKA TO FLORIDA IN COMMUNITIES OF EVERY SIZE. WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE LOCAL SCOUT COUNCIL, A SPONSORING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TAILORS AN EXPLORER PROGRAM TO ITS OWN NEEDS. THE AGENCY HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROVIDING A MEETING PLACE, ADEQUATE ADULT LEADERSHIP, AND PROGRAM FACILITIES AND RESOURCES. TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR EXPLORERS CAN VARY GREATLY, DEPENDING UPON THE RESOURCES OF THE SPONSORING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. PROGRAMS ARE DESCRIBED FOR THE LOS ANGELES SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THE TILLAMOOK COUNTY (OREGON) SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. GENERALLY, EXPLORERS ARE INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES, FROM CONDUCTING BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAMS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN TO SERVING AS 'DEMONSTRATORS' OR 'ARRESTEES' IN SIMULATED CROWD OR MASS ARREST FIELD EXERCISES. EXPLORERS HAVE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO COMMUNITY-CRIME PREVENTION VIA LITERATURE HANDOUTS, LIBRARY RESEARCH, HOUSE AND PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION PROGRAMS, AND CRIME-PREVENTION LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC. IN 1976, THE NATIONAL EXPLORERS DIVISION RECEIVED A 1-YEAR GRANT FROM LEAA IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH AN IMPACT PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. ELEMENTS OF THIS PROJECT ARE BRIEFLY DESCRIBED. (RCB)