The Lacey Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office is looking for additional young adults to become members of the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Explorer Post #1.
The Lacey Township Police Department partnered with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 to bring our young adults the most advanced police explorer program available. The Ocean County Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Explorer Post #1 is run through the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program. It 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. Since joining the program, the Lacey Township Police Department has hired some of these young men and women as either Class I Special Police Officers or Police Dispatchers (Public Safety Telecommunicators).
Partnering with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department has been 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 to the police explorers, including but not limited to, interactions with the K-9 Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Drone Unit and Marine Bureau.
REQUIREMENTS
Be 14 to 20 years of age (must enter the program prior to 18th birthday)
Maintain at least a ‘C’ average in all school work through 12th grade
Pass a background investigation (criminal/motor vehicle record)
Complete an oral interview
Maintain outstanding moral and ethical character at all times
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 two to three times a month once appointed. The training is conducted by Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers and other local law enforcement agencies including but not limited to the Lacey Township, Ocean Township and Barnegat Township Police Departments.
Applications are currently available at both the Lacey Township Police Department, located at 808 W. Lacey Road in Forked River and at the Lacey Township High School Guidance Office, located at 73 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. Additionally, you may email Sheriff’s Officer Christine Farrell at cfarrell@co.ocean.nj.us, who will provide you with additional information on receiving an application.
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 Detective Charlie May or Officer Daniel Ricciardella at the Lacey Township Police Department (609) 693-6636, or Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Christine Farrell at (732) 506-5355.
– Chief Michael C. DiBella