SJPD introduces new program for youth interested in law enforcement
Praji Ghosh
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Police Department is launching a new Police Explorer program for the community.
The program is geared toward younger adults interested in law enforcement, giving them a chance to get hands-on training and real-world experience in the field.
“We are really looking for kids around the ages of 16 to 18 years old that are interested in law enforcement and we give them academy-style training and educate them on what they would be doing,” said Sgt. Jemery Peters.
The goal is to inspire teens to consider a career in law enforcement and keep them engaged until they’re old enough to take the police test and join the force.
The program is a joint effort with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, the Boy Scouts of America and several local donors who want to see it succeed
“We are really trying to get the groundwork going and build this thing because it will be great for the kids to volunteer and benefit from the internship opportunities,” Peters said.
Families can apply through a simple form, and parents can learn more by attending the information meetings hosted by the department.
SJPD Deputy Sheriff Garett Thomas said the program is designed to help teens figure out if law enforcement could be the right career path for them.
“I could see it benefiting in ways of keeping the law enforcement and in our younger adults in communication with each other, that can help them in many ways,” Thomas said.
Thomas also said most of the training will be scenario-based, where teens act out situations and are evaluated on how they respond.
The hope is to keep students in the program through age 20, giving them time to explore different career opportunities in law enforcement.
“I just tell them it’s a great chance, especially if you are interested in learning about it or see if you’re compatible with it, because a lot of them don’t think about it and eventually get into it and love it for the rest of their lives,” Thomas said.
Both officers said they’re hoping to see more family involvement, which could encourage more teens to join and commit to the program.