The Lacey Township Police Department is pleased to announce our new partnership with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office to bring our young adults the most advanced police explorer program available. The Police Explorer program is run through the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program and is designed to provide exciting and challenging training, along with “on-the-job” experience for young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement. Police Explorers participate in many phases of Law enforcement work, but are NOT placed in dangerous situations. The Police Explorer program is an excellent way to become involved with the community while learning about a possible career in law enforcement!  Several Law Enforcement Officers began their careers as police explorers.

Partnering with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department  is a win-win for Lacey Township’s young adults, allowing the explorers to be involved in community events throughout Ocean County including Lacey Township.  This opportunity allows the police explorers to make law enforcement contacts throughout Ocean County and New Jersey, providing them with an inside view of various law enforcement opportunities. Furthermore, partnering with the Sheriff’s Office brings various specialties available to the police explorers, including but not limited to, interactions with the K-9 Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Marine Bureau.

REQUIREMENTS

Ÿ    Be 14 to 20 years of age (must enter the program prior to 18th birthday)

Ÿ    Maintain at least a ‘C’ average in all school work through 12th grade

Ÿ    Pass a background investigation (criminal/motor vehicle record)

Ÿ    Complete an oral interview

Ÿ    Maintain outstanding moral and ethical character at all times

Ÿ    Demonstrate willingness to serve and participate in Police Explorer activities and community events

An applicant CANNOT have any arrests, convictions, or serious motor vehicle violations (for example a DUI). Police Explorers will have to display professionalism and good behavior at all times.  The Police Explorer must be able to work independently and with other Explorers, Explorer Peer Supervisors, and Law Enforcement Officers. The public will hold Police Explorers to the same high standards as Police Officers.

Police Explorers must attend training three times a month once appointed. The training is conducted by Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers, Lacey Township Police Officers, and additional law enforcement officers, who serve as Police Explorer Advisors.

Applications are currently available at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, 120 Hooper Avenue, 3rd Floor, in Toms River, and the Lacey Township Police Department, located at 808 W. Lacey Road in Forked River. Applications are also available at the Lacey Township High School Guidance Office, located at 73 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. Completed applications can either be submitted to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department or the  Lacey Township Police Department. There are no fees involved for the police explorer program. For additional information or questions, please contact Lieutenant Paul Sullivan, Jr., at the Lacey Township Police Department (609) 693-6636, ext. 2577, or Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Christine Farrell at (732) 288-7843.

Chief Michael C. DiBella