Explorers Program

Law Enforcement Explorers are from age 14 (8th grade) to 21 years old. Members must attend school and maintain a 2.0(C) grade point average or higher, if applicable. They must also attend weekly meetings held at our clubhouse (across from Oakland Terrace Elementary School), which are each Monday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Explorer members pay an annual $10.00 enrollment fee to BSA.

The post conducts a basic and advanced training program, which covers a diversity of Law Enforcement operations and procedures. After completing the basic academy, the Explorers work with Sheriff's Deputies in the records section, crime scene unit or in the Courthouse with a bailiff. Upon reaching the rank of Corporal they may work in the Warrants Section under the supervision of a Law Enforcement Officer. After completing a training section in Warrants, they may qualify to work alone in this section at any time as long as it does not interfere with school.

Explorer programs are a development of the Boy Scout program, and Explorers are members of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as well as, the Florida Sheriff's Explorer Association which includes posts from 35 counties throughout the state.

The Association has four statewide meetings per year which the posts rotate responsibility for hosting. At these meetings Explorers meet counterparts from other areas of the state, attend training seminars and compete in contests with pellet guns and .38 caliber revolvers. They may also run for election to positions on the State Board. At the present time, Explorers pay for their own rooms and meals, while the Sheriff's Office provides transportation and supervision.

Explorers also participate in many civic projects such as: March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Project 25, Honor Guard, Early Childhood Services Kid Fest, Triathlon, Teen Court, Finger Printing Details, Bay County Juvenile Justice Council, School Fun days and many more.

Both Junior Deputies and Explorers wear distinctive uniforms to provide a uniformity at meetings and to identify them to the public and other law enforcement officers at public functions. The uniforms are supplied by the Sheriff's Office and are required wear at every meeting and any service project.

Meetings and social events for both groups are held at the club house owned by the youth program. The facility is located at 2015 West 12th street (directly across from Oakland Terrace School), office phone number is (850) 763-0921. The facility is air conditioned, has a pool table, ping pong tables, full kitchen, out door pellet range, basketball court, horse shoe pits, and a large in-ground swimming pool. During the year both groups use the facility for dances, parties, cookouts, promotion dinners and other social functions.

Marked vans, equipped with Law Enforcement communications radios, are used to transport members to functions and service projects. (Contact your Director prior to the planned activity).

The Explorer and Junior Deputy programs are sponsored by the Bay County Sheriff's Office and are under the purview of the Community Services Division. The Director, as well as, the Senior Advisor are employees of the Bay County Sheriff's Office.

For more information about Explorers contact the Community Services Division at (850) 747-4700 ext. 2300 or send email to cmsd@bayso.org