LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORING
PROGRAM GUIDELINES


[Download a
PDF copy
of this document]
 

Table of Contents
1.0    Introduction
1.1    Law Enforcement Exploring (purpose)
1.2    Program Objectives

2.0    Program Guidelines
2.1    Eligibility Requirements (membership)
2.2    Training
2.3    Scope of Activities
2.4    Uniform
2.5    Equipment
2.6    Covert Activities Policy
2.7    Driving Policy
2.8    Bloodborne Pathogens Policy

3.0    Ride-Along Program
3.1    Purpose
3.2    Ride-Along Policy and Standard Operating Procedures
3.3    Prerequisite Training for Ride-Along
3.4    Ride-Along Scope of Activities and Responsibilities
3.5    Ride-Along Log/Records and Limitations on Participation
3.6    Development of Emergency Protocols for Ride-Along
3.7    Ride-Along Program Certification
3.8    Events that Require Submission of New Application for Certification

4.0    Insurance
4.1    Insurance

5.0    Appendix: Program Information and Forms
5.1   Program Information and Forms

1.0 Introduction
The purpose of the guidelines is to provide important information concerning program development, policy and procedures for Law Enforcement Explorer Posts.  These guidelines also contain links for downloading various program forms.

1.1 Law Enforcement Exploring
The purpose of Law Enforcement Exploring is to provide young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement with a comprehensive program of training, competition, service and practical experiences.  Character development, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism are integral components of the overall program.   Through their involvement in the program, Explorers develop an awareness of the purpose, mission and objectives of law enforcement agencies. The support of the chief executive officer of the agency, along with a dedicated cadre of law enforcement professionals and adult volunteers who provide adult leadership, is essential to the success of any Post.  Although Exploring depends on volunteer leadership, professional Exploring/Learning for Life executives are available to provide assistance and support.

1.2 Program Objectives

  • To provide a program of training that educates young adults on the purpose, mission and objectives of law enforcement agencies.
  • To provide an opportunity for service, practical experiences, competition and recreation.
  • To help prepare Explorers become better citizens and community members through character development, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.

Several approaches are used to achieve the objectives of Law Enforcement Exploring. One of these is regular meetings at which representatives of various law enforcement agencies (federal, state, county, and local) provide Explorers with training and practical, hands-on, activities.

Another approach is the Ride-Along program. At the discretion and direction of the agency, Explorers can observe firsthand patrol operations and community policing. Law Enforcement Exploring has defined criteria within this document that will serve as a guide to developing agency policy and standard operating procedures for the Ride-Along program.  These criteria serve to maintain the effectiveness of the field officer, while at the same time provide for the safety of the Explorer.

Ideally, the program for a Law Enforcement Explorer Post should include a combination of educational/training, practical, competitive and recreational activities. It is through such activities that Explorers are able to broaden their understanding and knowledge of the law enforcement profession in general and learn the challenges and rewards of providing police services in their own community.  

Many departments use Law Enforcement Explorers to assist in such areas as crime prevention, traffic/crowd control, recordkeeping, and telecommunications. These forms of assistance are always conducted under the supervision of law enforcement officers and serve to demonstrate that Explorers can be beneficial to the agency and the community.

A well-managed Law Enforcement Explorer Post can have a positive influence on the department and the community through demonstration of the many valuable contributions that can be offered by Explorers.  Exploring provides the law enforcement profession an opportunity to further an investment in its own future through constructive relationships with young adults contemplating a career in the field of criminal justice.

The adult and youth leadership of new Posts are encouraged to contact established Law Enforcement Explorer Posts in the area for guidance and assistance in developing their own Post. Most progressive Law Enforcement Explorer Posts will freely offer advice and share program information with new Posts.  Many Law Enforcement Explorer Posts over the years have joined together to form local, regional and state Law Enforcement Explorer Associations in an effort to offer mutual assistance, exchange program ideas, share training opportunities, engage in competitive and recreational events, and conduct other activities for the betterment of Law Enforcement Exploring. These associations, known by many different names, have as their common purpose the promotion of Law Enforcement Exploring or other related activities.  It is important to note that Law Enforcement Exploring recognizes only those associations that have been certified by the national office as operating in accordance with established policy and procedure.

2.0 Program

2.1 Eligibility Requirements
Law Enforcement Exploring is open to young adults ages 14, and graduated from the eighth grade, through 20, or age 15 through 20 years.

Due to the sensitive nature of law enforcement operations, most agencies establish additional eligibility standards for prospective Explorers. Additionally, it is a fact that the ability of a Post to maintain the support of the agency, and to be effective, is dependent upon attracting well-qualified members.  These standards often include, but are not limited to:

  • As a prerequisite for joining a hold harmless and release form for the agency and Learning for Life must be executed by the parents or legal guardian and/or the Explorer if of legal age to sign such a form.
  • Must not have a prior conviction for a criminal offense or serious traffic offense.
  • Must have and maintain a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in high school or college to remain in the Post.  
  • Must complete a basic training course, to include Youth Protection: Personal Safety Awareness training, and a probationary period.
  • Must undergo a thorough background review to assess character and integrity that will include interviews with neighbors, teachers and employers.
  • Must keep body weight in proportion to height and maintain a high level of physical fitness.

2.2 Training
Law Enforcement Exploring is intended to provide young adults with an educational and practical orientation into the law enforcement profession.  In order for Explorers to have the type of quality experience that will permit them to better understand and appreciate the law enforcement profession, and to facilitate their acceptance by departmental personnel, it is essential they undergo some form of a basic training program followed by periodic in-service training sessions.  In many instances, school districts and colleges will grant academic credit for completion of a comprehensive basic training course.  It is suggested that representatives from Law Enforcement Explorer Posts with excellent training curricula be contacted for ideas on development of a training program for a new Post.  Also, the primary training officer for the agency should be consulted for suggestions and assistance with developing a basic training and in-service curriculum.  

Recognizing that many law enforcement agencies may not have the individual resources to conduct their own training programs, some agencies will join forces to conduct a multi-city or regional basic training curriculum for Explorers on a periodic basis.  In developing training resources, each agency should consider the assistance available from outside agencies as well as their own. Many organizations (in particular federal law enforcement agencies) are willing to support requests for specialized training or other forms of assistance.

Typical Law Enforcement Explorer basic training curriculums include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  1. The history of law enforcement.
  2. Patrol procedures.
  3. Criminal Law.
  4. Juvenile Law.
  5. Arrest, Search & Seizure.
  6. Report Writing.
  7. Crisis Intervention.
  8. Ethics.
  9. Self-Defense.
  10. Traffic control/Crowd Control.
  11. Accident investigation.
  12. Traffic Stops – Misdemeanor and Felony.
  13. Basic first aid & CPR.
  14. Radio communication procedures.
  15. Crime prevention techniques.
  16. Crime scene search techniques.
  17. Community/public relations.
  18. Dangerous Drugs and Narcotics.
  19. Criminology.

2.3 Scope of Activities
Law Enforcement Explorers, through completion of a basic training curriculum, periodic in-service training courses, and practical experiences, often can be involved with more complex and challenging activities within the agency. However, each agency, in order to provide for a well-managed program and effective risk management, should have written policy and standard operating procedures to govern their Explorer program.  The policy and standard operating procedures should include limitations and prohibitions for Explorer involvement in law enforcement and related activities, as dictated by the sponsoring agency as well as adherence to all applicable Learning for Life/Law Enforcement Exploring policies.  Such polices would include the Learning for Life “Safety First Guidelines” that contain certain provisions applicable to Law Enforcement Explorer Posts as well as limitations and/or restrictions on various recreational and other activities. The chief executive officer of the agency should approve the agency’s Law Enforcement Exploring program policy and standard operating procedures.  

In developing written policy and standard operating procedures, each agency should strive to permit Explorers to engage in as many practical activities as possible so as to make their experience in the program meaningful, while at the same imposing limitations and prohibitions that will minimize or avoid their exposure to high-risk situations.  High-risk situations would include felony-in-progress calls, high-speed pursuits and certain crisis intervention matters. Keeping in mind potential legal issues with regard to federal and state statutes regulating criminal law and procedure, as well as privacy and confidentiality concerns, Explorers should not be permitted to participate in interviews, interrogations, the handling or processing of evidence, or the intake or transfer of persons taken into custody.  Additionally, to the extent possible, Explorers should not be placed in situations where they may be called as a witness in a criminal or civil proceeding.  

Law enforcement patrol operations and calls for service often involve spontaneous situations that require an aggressive and risk inherent response; or, just as likely, a seemingly mundane patrol procedure or call for service escalates into a situation requiring the same type of response.    

Typical types of patrol operations, calls for services and other law enforcement assistance that trained Law Enforcement Explorers can provide with relatively minimal risk include, but are not limited to:

  1. Crime prevention services.
  2. Citizen tours of police facilities.
  3. Perimeter security checks.
  4. Bicycle safety inspections.
  5. Disabled motorist assists.
  6. Complaint reception.
  7. Child identification fingerprinting for parents/legal guardian.
  8. Agency information booth at career fairs and community events.
  9. Agency telecommunications/dispatch center assistance.
  10. Assistance with organized searches for lost/missing persons.
  11. Traffic/crowd control at parades, festivals and other community events.

There are numerous police operations and procedures that must not intentionally involve Law Enforcement Explorers due to the considerable potential for legal complications or for an aggressive and risk inherent response.  The law enforcement officer that is responsible for the Explorer must use his/her best professional judgment with respect to the safety and security of the Explorer and should never intentionally place an Explorer in a high risk or legally precarious situation.  Such operations and procedures include, but are not limited to:

  1. Arrests.
  2. Felony in-progress calls.
  3. Breathalyzer/sobriety tests.
  4. Custodial interviews or interrogations.
  5. Traffic or foot pursuits.
  6. Searches & seizures (to include direct Explorer involvement in a routine stop and frisk).
  7. Surveillances.
  8. Processing evidence or involved in the chain of custody of same.
  9. Field testing of narcotics or other controlled substances if such test is part of a criminal investigation.
  10. Handling, intake or transfer of persons taken into custody.

2.4 Uniform
In addition to learning about a career in law enforcement, one of the major attractions to an Explorer Post for young people is the opportunity to wear a uniform that provides them identity with the agency and the respect of their peers and community.  Normally, the privilege of wearing the uniform of the Post is not granted until the basic training program has been completed, so the uniform also serves as a badge of honor that demonstrates the Explorer has made a commitment to the program and successfully passed the training course.  Each department decides the type of uniform (or uniforms as some Posts have several types: dress, duty, training, etc.) Explorers are allowed to wear. In some cases the uniform(s) are provided to the Explorer by the agency, while other agencies require Explorers to purchase their own uniforms.

As a means of avoiding confusion on the part of the general public, it is recommended that the type of uniform(s) approved for Explorers be distinguishable (in terms of color and/or design) from the uniform of the law enforcement officers of the department.  It is also recommended the uniform include a Law Enforcement Explorer patch, or a modification of the agency patch that contains the world “Explorer,” or some other accoutrement that identifies the individual wearing the uniform as an Explorer.  The written policy and standard operating procedures for the agency should set clear rules for how and when the uniform(s) is worn and, just as importantly, when it cannot be worn or displayed.

2.5 Equipment
The agency should include in its written policy and standard operating procedures the type of equipment and accessories that Explorers are permitted to carry or use while they are involved in Post activities; both while in uniform or otherwise.  Generally speaking, Explorers should be restricted to carrying or using equipment or accessories that are functional and support their involvement with the Post and agency. Such equipment and accessories would include, but are not limited to, notebook, pen, non-tactical flashlight, and whistle. It is recommended that Explorers wear a high visibility reflective vest or other reflective item of clothing when assisting with traffic control functions. The agency may determine that it is permissible for Explorers to carry handcuffs as they can be considered a valuable aid to a law enforcement officer in the event, during a spontaneous situation, an additional set of handcuffs is needed (i.e. a second person taken into custody or a large framed individual requiring two sets of handcuffs).  It is recommended that if the agency permits handcuffs to be carried that Explorers do so only while in uniform and the handcuffs must be in a closed carrying case (cuffs not visible until the flap of the case is opened) attached to the uniform belt.
Explorers are not permitted to carry offensive or defensive weapons to include firearms, tasers, nightsticks, batons (collapsible or otherwise), saps or sap gloves, tactical flashlights (i.e. large metal or other heavy duty material flashlights that may be used as a nightstick or baton), knives with blades in excess of four inches, chemical repellents or electrical shock devices.  It is to be noted that Explorers may use firearms during approved training programs or competitive events while under the direct supervision of a certified firearms instructor.

2.6 Covert Activities Policy
Explorers are prohibited from directly or indirectly engaging in covert operations (i.e., serving in an undercover capacity) and should not be used as confidential informants or sources.  These activities are fraught with potential legal complications and are risk inherent for the agency and the Explorer.  Further, they are inconsistent with the career education and orientation objectives of Law Enforcement Exploring.  Any agency electing to utilize Explorers as private citizens in covert operations does so with the clear understanding that its unit of government is solely responsible for any civil damages and legal or medical complications that might arise from such an activity.

2.7 Driving Policy
Law Enforcement Explorers (whether or not in uniform) are not permitted to drive marked police vehicles or other motorized police conveyances. The exception to this policy is when Explorers are participating in an authorized training program or competition and are under the direct, onsite, supervision of a law enforcement officer. 

2.8 Bloodborne Pathogens Policy
Questions have been raised regarding the position of Learning for Life on OSHA’s Regulation for Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR Section 1910.1030) as it relates to adult and youth participants, volunteers and the agency. This position statement is for those individuals who may be exposed to blood and body fluids during the course of their participation in Learning for Life or Exploring activities.  Examples of where there may be a higher probability of coming into contact with blood and body fluids would include:

  • Participants of Posts with specialties in medicine, fire or rescue, law enforcement, etc.
  • Volunteer first-aid providers at organized community events or group activities.  

1. The OSHA rules apply only to employees in jobs that involve "occupational exposure" to bloodborne pathogens. The rules do not apply to volunteer participants of Posts or other organizations.

2. However, as a precautionary measure, Learning for Life/Law Enforcement Exploring recommends the following course of action for Posts that engage in activities that may inadvertently result in participants being exposed to blood or body fluids.

  1. The agency and its leaders should brief all participants on bloodborne pathogens and make them aware of the possible inadvertent exposure to blood or body fluids during the course of their activities with the Post.
  2. As a precaution, adult and youth participants should be advised to get a Hepatitis B vaccination. The cost of the vaccination must be borne by the adult or youth participant.  Learning for Life and the agency are not required to underwrite the cost of the vaccination. In some cases the agency may be able to arrange for the Hepatitis B vaccination to be administered at a reduced rate or free of charge.
  3. In the event an adult or youth participant, for whatever reason, decline to be vaccinated they should be required to sign a Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination form. Declination forms for participants must be maintained for a minimum of five years.

3. Learning for Life also recommends that participants be advised of the following: Treat all blood as if it were contaminated with bloodborne viruses. Do not use bare hands to stop bleeding, and always use a protective barrier. Always wash exposed skin areas with hot water and soap immediately after treating an injured person. The following items are to be included in all first aid kits and used when rendering first aid to those in need:

  • Latex or vinyl gloves, to be used when stopping bleeding or dressing wounds.
  • A mouth-barrier device, for rendering rescue breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Plastic goggles or other eye protection, to prevent an injured person’s blood from getting into rescuer’s eyes in the event of serious arterial bleeding.
  • Antiseptic, for use in sterilizing or cleaning exposed skin areas, particularly if no soap or water is available.

3.0   Ride-Along Program
3.1   Purpose

  • To provide qualified Law Enforcement Explorers the opportunity to observe and gain practical experience with regard to the methods and techniques used in patrol operations and related police services. To supplement basic and in-service classroom training in patrol operations and related police services.
  • To provide Explorers with a greater appreciation for the challenges and benefits of patrol operations and a better understanding of the importance of law enforcement services within the community.

3.2 Ride-Along Policy and Standard Operating Procedures
Each agency that seeks certification for its Ride-Along program must address in its policy and standard operating procedures for Explorers the administrative, procedural and operational elements set forth in Section 3-7 of this document. An example of a Ride-Along Policy and Standard Operating Procedures for Explorer Posts is included in the Appendix section of these Guidelines.  

3.3 Prerequisite Training for Ride-Along
Training for Explorers participating in a Ride-Along program should, at a minimum, include completion of the agency’s basic training curriculum for Explorers, along with methods and techniques used in patrol operations and related police services, traffic control, telecommunications procedures, patrol vehicle/conveyance systems and equipment familiarization, policy and standard operating procedures for Explorers, and spontaneous emergency protocols. Additionally, Explorers must also undergo Youth Protection: Personal Safety Awareness training.  Youth Protection training materials are available through the local Learning for Life representative.

Training for law enforcement officers who have been designated by the agency to have Explorers accompany them on patrol operations should undergo an orientation that, at a minimum, includes a verbal and/or written overview of the objectives of Law Enforcement Exploring, agency Ride-Along program policy and standard operating procedures for both Explorers and Law Enforcement Officers.  Officers must also undergo the self-guided Youth Protection Training course for adults.

3.4 Ride-Along Scope of Activities and Responsibilities
The prevailing authority for Explorers participating in a Ride-Along program, as well as the scope of permissible activities, will be the agency’s policy and standard operating procedures that will, at a minimum, include the elements outlined in Section 3-7 of this document.  Explorers will remain under the supervision of a law enforcement officer at all times during a Ride-Along.  The types of activities that Explorers are typically allowed to assist with during a Ride-Along include, but are not limited to:

  1. Traffic control.
  2. Crowd control.
  3. Telecommunications support.
  4. Administration of first aid assistance.
  5. Perimeter control at accident or crime scenes.
  6. Note taking that may aid the law enforcement officer or assistance with completing incident or other forms.

3.5 Ride-Along Log/Records and Limitations on Participation
The Ride-Along program is so popular with Explorers that it sometimes becomes the primary or only activity in which they want to participate.  Many Posts find it beneficial to place prerequisites on participating in the program that include, but are not limited to, Explorers must attend regular meetings and training sessions, and must participate in a minimum amount of other Post activities in order to be permitted on a Ride-Along.  Some Posts also set a maximum amount of allowable Ride-Along opportunities per Explorer, per month to make sure that every qualified member of the Post has an opportunity to participate in the program.

In order to monitor participation in the Ride-Along program, and to have a record of which Explorer accompanied which Officer on a Ride-Along, a logbook should be maintained by the agency.  This logbook should include, at a minimum, the date, starting time/ending time, name of Explorer, name of accompanying law enforcement officer, and a section for any comments by the law enforcement officer for each Ride-Along session.  A list of Explorers permitted to participate in the Ride-Along program, along with their respective hold harmless/release form and their medical release for emergency medical treatment form should be maintained in a notebook or folder near where the logbook is maintained and available to law enforcement personnel involved with the Ride-Along program. Typically, the logbook and approved list/release forms book would be maintained in the area of the patrol operations briefing room.

 
3.6 Development of Emergency Protocols for Ride-Along
Each agency must develop its own protocols that are to be instituted in those situations where an Explorer participating in a Ride-Along is accompanying an officer who is dispatched to a high-risk call or when a seemingly routine patrol procedure or call for service escalates into a situation requiring an aggressive and risk inherent response.  Reference is made to Section 3-7 of this document for further guidance on the development of Ride-Along program policy and standard operating procedures.

It is understood that it is not possible to foresee every possible contingency for Explorers participating in the Ride-Along program.  Ultimately, the law enforcement officer responsible for the Explorer must, based upon the circumstances presented, use his/her best professional judgment with respect to the safety and security of the Explorer.  There are some emergency situations where it may be safe and practical for an Explorer to be dropped off at a location before the law enforcement officer arrives at the scene of the incident.  Another law enforcement officer would then retrieve the Explorer as soon as possible and transport him/her to the police station or other safe location.  There are other situations where it may be safer for the Explorer to remain in/on the patrol vehicle/conveyance or on the scene of the incident.    

3.7 Ride-Along Program Certification
As previously mentioned, the Ride-Along program provides Explorers with an opportunity to observe law enforcement field activity by accompanying a police officer on patrol operations.  Patrol operations are defined as routine policing functions where an Explorer accompanies a law enforcement officer in a marked police vehicle, in/on special police conveyances (i.e., bike patrol, equestrian patrol, marine patrol or other police patrol conveyance with the exception of motorcycles, motorized personal watercraft or motorized personal all-terrain vehicles), or on foot patrol.  The Ride-Along program, to Explorers, is one of the most attractive features of Law Enforcement Exploring. Most young adults consider the privilege of accompanying a law enforcement officer on patrol operations the highlight of their Explorer experience.  Due to the potential risks and liability involved with Explorers participating in the Ride-Along program, each agency must, at a minimum, comply with the following administrative, procedural and operational elements and address same in their written policy and standard operating procedures.  

  1. A statement addressing the agency’s Ride-Along program purpose and objectives.
  2. A hold harmless and release form for the agency and Learning for Life executed by the parents or legal guardian and/or the Explorer if of legal age to sign such a form.
  3. Medical release form permitting authorized agency representatives to approve emergency medical treatment for Explorers.
  4. Prohibition of Explorers under the age of 18 from participating in the Ride-Along program between 12 midnight and 6 AM.
  5. Prior to participating in the Ride-Along program, Explorers must have completed the agency’s basic training course, to include policy and standard operating procedures while accompanying a law enforcement officer on patrol operations and spontaneous emergency protocols, and be provided with an orientation of patrol vehicle/conveyance systems and communication equipment. The agency basic training course must include Youth Protection: Personal Safety Awareness training and emphasize assertive and practical ways in which an Explorer can prevent and stop inappropriate behavior from adults or other Explorers. Posts that permit Ride-Alongs in/on authorized special police conveyances must include training requirements and protocols for each conveyance.
  6. Law enforcement officers must have completed their field training program and probationary period, and be in good standing with their agency, before being allowed to supervise Explorers participating in the Ride-Along program. Ride-Along officers must also be provided a briefing on agency policy and standard operating procedures for Explorers participating in the Ride-Along program, and spontaneous emergency protocols prior to being permitted to having Explorers accompany them on patrol operations. Additionally, Officers must undergo the self-guided Youth Protection Training course for adults.  The agency will determine which officers are approved to participate in the Ride-Along program.
  7. Police actions and calls for service which Explorers are permitted to be present while participating in the Ride-Along program.
  8. Advanced notice police actions and calls for service which Explorers are excluded from being present while participating in the Ride-Along program.
  9. Spontaneous emergency protocols and standard operating procedures for Officers and Explorers.
  10. Authorized uniform and equipment for Explorer along with recommendation that, if available, a protective vest be worn by the Explorer while participating on a Ride-Along.  Reference is made to Section 2-5 of these guidelines for guidance on permitted and prohibited equipment.
  11. Explorers on a Ride-Along where authorized special police conveyances are used must wear the same safety equipment (i.e., helmet for bike patrol, personal flotation device for marine patrol, etc.) required for law enforcement officers.
  12. Adherence to Learning for Life/Law Enforcement Exploring policy on driving police vehicles, bloodborne pathogens, Hepatitis B vaccination declination, covert activities and other applicable policies.

Sponsoring agencies participating in the Ride-Along program should give consideration to the following recommendations:

  1. It is strongly recommended every Explorer be required to wear a protective vest while accompanying a law enforcement officer on patrol operations.
  2. Whenever possible and practical, the Ride-Along officer and Explorer should be of the same gender.

3.8 Events that Require Submission of New Application for Certification
Ride-along certification remains valid until such time as one or both of the following events occur; the agency’s Ride-Along Policy and Standard Operation Procedures are amended, or a new head of agency (Chief of Police, Sheriff, or director of the agency) is appointed.   Should either of these events occur the sponsoring agency must submit a new Ride-Along Certification Application and supporting documentation.  

4.0   Insurance
4.1   Insurance

The Learning for Life liability insurance policy provides primary liability insurance to participating organizations. All injuries to Explorers or situations that may result in a legal action should be reported to the local Learning for Life office within 24 hours of the incident.  All Ride-Along Programs must be certified in order to be covered by Learning for Life insurance plan.  

5.0  Appendix:  Program Information and Forms
5.1   Program Information and Forms