Explorer Post
The Bowling Green Police Department’s Explorer Post was organized in October 1993, with the cooperation of the Boy Scouts of America. The expressed purpose of the Post is to allow persons between 14 and 20 an opportunity to experience the law enforcement profession first hand.
The Bowling Green Police Department’s law enforcement exploring program is designed to educated youth in the police operations, to build an interest in law enforcement as a career and to build mutual understanding. The educational aspect provides knowledge of the law enforcement function in one’s community whether one enters the field of law enforcement as a career or not. Through Explorer involvement, the program establishes an awareness of the complexities of police services.
Leadership Development
Through their experiences, Explorers learn and practice leadership skills similar to police personnel. Those Explorers in leadership positions within the Explorer Post learn realities of being responsible for their subordinates.Serving the Community
Explorers are not utilized in assignments requiring police authority, but are utilized in assisting the community under the direction and supervision of police officers. Frequently, community organizations call upon the Explorer Post to assist with traffic direction and community oriented programs. Community events provide the Explorers with practical police experience and a chance to really help their community! Explorers are usually required to participate in half of all scheduled events.Training
The Explorer program furthers the Explorer’s education by providing the member with basic knowledge in the field of law enforcement. The following is a list of some of the different topics covered during training:- BGPD Policy and Procedure
- Community Oriented Policing
- Ethics and Behavior
- Radio Communications
- Report Writing
- Use of Force Policy
- Constitutional Rights
- Handcuffing Technique
- Unknown Risk and High Risk Traffic Stops
- Firearms Safety
- Building Searches
- Domestic Disturbances
- Officer Safety
- Interview Technique
- K9 Demonstration
Ride Along Program
The ride-along program affords Explorers the opportunity to ride on patrol with a Bowling Green Police Officer for part of a shift. Explorers receive the opportunity to experience the job of a police officer first hand. During ride-alongs, Explorers are in uniform. They may also assist the patrol officers in a variety of limited ways.Requirements to be an Explorer
Due to the type of work the Explorers are involved in, there are certain requirements that must be met in order for acceptance into the post.- Members must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have completed the 8th grade.
- Parental Approval (if under 18)
- Good Physical condition
- $50 annual fee
- Scholastic standards requiring a minimum 2.0 or “C” grade average & display no discipline problems at school.
- Complete a background check
Contact Info and Explorer Application
For more information on Exploring with Bowling Green Police Department, telephone the Bowling Green Police Department at 270-393-4244.If you meet the requirements to become an Explorer and would like an application, please fill out the explorer application, completed applications can be dropped off at the Bowling Green Police Department.
If you would like Explorer Post 114 to assist your organization in the area of a special event, please call or stop by the Police Department and fill out an Explorer Request Form.