Clark County Sheriff's Office Explorer Program

What is the Law Enforcement Explorer’s Program?

The Law Enforcement Explorer’s Program is a career-oriented program that gives young adults the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies. The program offers young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.

Did you know?

Law Enforcement Explorer Program’s youth throughout the country are members of the Boy Scouts of America. Each year the Boy Scouts of America "Learning for Life" holds State Competitions, and every other year National Competitions, where Explorer Post’s compete against each other.

Learn more about the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Explorer 312 Post:

 The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 312 is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life Program. Bi-weekly meetings are held on Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, 120 North Fountain Avenue, Springfield, Ohio. During the first meeting of each month, a chapter of the Ohio Revised Code is discussed and at the second meeting, Explorers complete a written exam followed by hands on training. Completed training hours are recorded and submitted to the Boy Scouts of America on an annual basis.

Our mission:

The purpose of law enforcement exploring is to educate and involve youth in law enforcement operations, to interest youth in potential law enforcement careers and to help build mutual understanding of law enforcement and community relations. The education aspect provides the explorer with the knowledge and functions of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the role of law enforcement in the explorer’s community. Through involvement and participation in the explorer post, explorers will become aware of the complexities of the law enforcement field.

Information on how to apply in Clark County to become an Explorer: Any student attending school in Clark County that is between the age of 14 and 20 can apply. For more information, contact Deputy Vaughn Apel (Advisor)

2018 Explorer Youth Academy

The 2018 Explorer Youth Academy was held on June 11-15, 2018 at Northeastern High School. We were able to partner with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and show Explorers the different aspects of our law enforcement programs and how they work together.

During the academy, Explorers received training from agencies such as Miami Valley Health and Safety Solution (C.P.R), Street Survival for Law Enforcement Officers, Building Searches, Traffic Stops and Approaches, Impaired Driver, Evidence Collection, Property Sheets, Defensive Tactic’s, Military Drill, and the policy manual set by the Boy Scouts of America, and others.

On Friday June 15, 2018, eleven candidates graduated. During the ceremony, each Explorer selected a family/friend to pin their badge on their uniform. Members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Boy Scouts of America, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) were in attendance. CCSO Chief Deputy Jeff Meyers gave a speech regarding the positive aspects of our program. Also during the ceremony two current Explorers were promoted to illustrate how rank structure works within our program.

The Explorers made a video of the academy activities that can be viewed on youtube.