The mission of the Sheriff Explorer Program is to build enduring relationships within the community and develop future leaders in Sangamon County. Our staff will work alongside youth to enhance interpersonal communication skills, build confidence, and foster shared understanding. We will challenge youth with leadership opportunities, promote personal responsibility, and emphasize the importance of
teamwork. Youth participating in the program will walk away more confident, well-rounded, and more mature candidates for a civilian law enforcement career – or any career path they choose. Our program utilizes a law enforcement curriculum, and a well-defined organizational structure, as a catalyst to cultivate leadership potential, teach personal responsibility, and promote community involvement. Advisors are sworn law enforcement officers, appointed by the Sheriff, charged with mentoring youth participants, curriculum design, and the overall management and administration of the program. Program Requirements:
• Be a resident of, or attend school within, Sangamon County
• Be between 14 and 20 years of age
• Have successfully completed 8th grade
• Be enrolled in high school, or college, with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Be of good moral character
• Have a strong interest in law enforcement
• Demonstrate a willingness to participate and exercise leadership skills
• Complete the explorer application and submit required documents
• Submit to a background investigation
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Law Enforcement Explorer Post? An Explorer Post is registered through learning for
life, a subsidy of the Boy Scouts of America. We teach youth, interested in law enforcement,
about different aspects of the job and opportunities within the career field. How big is the program? The program is limited to 20 participants. In the event over 20 eligible youth apply for the program, a wait list will be established based on a first come, first serve basis. How much does it cost to join the Explorer Program? Sangamon County is offering this
opportunity at no cost to participants. Youth participating in this program will be provided a
uniform shirt, a pair of uniform pants, and a jacket. Equipment required for training will be
provided by the county. How long is the program? Once accepted, membership is indefinite until the youth ages out of the program or no longer meets eligibility requirements. How often does the Post meet? The Post meets on a regular basis, twice a month, August
through May. Special events or volunteer opportunities may allow youth to participate in
explorer events more frequently. Where are meetings held? We have partnered with The Dream Center Sangamon County for a meeting venue. The Dream Center is a local non-profit organization that provides unique,
hands-on, learning opportunities for young people and adults. Once accepted into the post,
additional information will be given on the location of meetings. Verify you meet the program requirements and submit an application. Once we receive your application, we’ll confirm receipt of the application via e-mail. Our staff will
complete the background investigation and schedule an interview. Please note: If you are
placed on a wait list your interview may not be scheduled until an opening exists within the
post. Have additional questions about the program? Contact Deputy Matt Marass at
[email protected]
