Law Enforcement Explorers Program
Law Enforcement Exploring is Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women 14 to 20 years old with an interest in a career in law enforcement. This work-site based program that is fully funded by donations helps youth prepare for their future profession by experiencing fun-filled, hands-on activities. Learning for Life, which is a division of the Boy Scouts of America, focuses on the following five areas of emphasis: Career Opportunities, Leadership Experience, Character Education, Citizenship, and Life Skills.
Who Are We?
Sheriff Norman Lewis formed Explorer Post #600 in order to prepare the selected youth of Montgomery County to become responsible and caring adults through their experiences with the post. The hope is that the youth will gain a better understanding of what law enforcement is all about so that they can determine if it is their career choice. Through community service, confidence building activities, and hands-on experience, these young people develop a solid foundation to begin a future in law enforcement. The post is lead by Advisors SRO Gennifer Reed and K9 DEP Todd Dorris. Reed and Dorris have both been with the Sheriff’s Office for 5 years. Reed is a School Resource Officer at Montgomery Central Middle School . Dorris is with the K9 unit and is a success story of the Exploring program. He was an Explorer in Springfield, TN for 6 years before beginning his career in law enforcement.
What Have We Done?
The Montgomery County Law Enforcement Explorers participate in the annual Winterfest Competitions in Gatlinburg, TN. Competitive events include: high-risk warrant service, accident investigation, unknown problem, DUI traffic stop, room search, crime scene investigation, and uniform inspection. The first week in June the MCSO Explorer Post #600 attended Dickson PD's Explorer training camp @ Montgomery Bell State Park. This weeklong "boot camp" was mentally and physically demanding for the youth. They got a good taste of the training that patrol officers get. The Explorers received specialized training in SWAT operations, K9 handling, crime scene investigation, firing range, defensive tactics, reconnaissance, and team building. The teens learned to trust each other and work as a team. Every attendee stated that it was a life changing experience.
The post just returned from Knoxville, TN where they competed in the state-wide Tennessee Law Enforcement Explorer Association Competition July 22 - 25. They competed against other posts in real-life law enforcement scenarios such as: domestic disturbance, DUI traffic stop, crime scene investigation, burglary in progress, unknown problem, and accident investigation. Teams were graded on officer safety with dealing with suspects, professionalism, tactics, and communication. Post #600 represented Montgomery county well bringing 2 second place trophies home for DUI traffic stop and Domestic Disturbance. The post also participates in the following annual community service events: Domestic Violence Awareness Day, the Heart Walk held at Austin Peay, Traffic Safety Day, Rivers and Spires.
When and Where Do We Meet?
Montgomery County Law Enforcement Explorer Post # 600 meets at 6:00 P.M. every first and third Monday of each month at the Sheriff’s Office 5th floor training room 120 Commerce Street.