Police Explorers

"A World of Prospects" - Exploring is an exciting educational and leadership program. Its purpose is to provide character building experiences and mentorship to young women and men; supporting them in achieving their full potential in both life and work. In practice, the program provides hands-on experience in public safety and justice.

Share Experience

Exploring is not about lectures and slide shows. WCSO Explorer's engage in practical, real-world, life enhancing experiences in a special and exciting career field. For Sheriff's Office staff who serve as advisers and who are excited about their career, it is a wonderful opportunity to share their professional experience. Exploring assists young adults as they consider a potential career in criminal justice. It's best to begin that process early, before they invest time, energy and money only to find out later that a different career path is a better fit.

Who May Become Involved?

Our explorer program serves young men and women who are at least 14 years of age (and have completed 8th grade) and are not yet 21 years of age. Color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, economic status, and citizenship are not criteria for participation.

What is the Program Focus?

Explorers engage in educational and practical training experiences that focus on teaching the purpose and objectives of criminal justice, i.e., what it means to serve others in a public safety and justice role. The program includes but is not limited to career orientation experiences, leadership experience opportunities, and community service . . . all activities that support young women and men as they grow as individuals, regardless of whether or not they choose a career in public safety.

If participating in practical learning activities supported by classroom training and job shadowing experiences such as riding along in police vehicles, engaging in public safety trainings and various kinds of learning-based competitions, and participation in an Explorer Academy sound like something you'd be excited about, this is the program for you!

"Exploring" Career Opportunities Within Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office

There are a number of rewarding career opportunities within the Sheriff's Office that provide for life-long learning and professional growth.

Examples

  • 911 Communications Operator
  • Account Clerk
  • Auto Theft Investigation
  • Community Corrections (Jail/Prison Diversion Programs)
  • Community Service Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Crisis Negotiations Team
  • Deputy Sheriff - Patrol
  • Drug Investigation
  • Emergency Planning Coordinator
  • Evidence Technician
  • Marine Safety Officer
  • Mounted Unit
  • Office Specialist
  • Parks Service Officer
  • Police Service Dog Unit
  • Reserve Deputy Sheriff
  • School Resource Officer
  • Special Threat Response (SWAT)
  • Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USRT)
Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office Explorers

As an Explorer, You Will

  • Develop important leadership skills
  • Learn new practical knowledge, skills and abilities
  • Develop interpersonal skills
  • Contribute to your community
  • Participate in hands-on projects that will help you decide if public safety is the right career path for you
  • Network with active criminal justice professionals who use the latest technology and are aware of emerging trends and philosophies in their profession
  • Learn about the educational programs that serve the criminal justice profession along with their requirements, so that you may prepare and position yourself for a successful career
  • Gain respect for the law enforcement and corrections profession and those who serve in it

Testimonials

Here's what our Explorer's and their advisors are saying about the program:

  • "Public Safety Service is a noble profession and it's never too early to start. Serving as a WCSO Explorer is an exciting opportunity for a young adult to learn about public safety services, positively contribute to our community and develop relationship that will last a lifetime." - Jerry L. Clayton, Sheriff
  • "As an Explorer I learned law enforcement is the right choice for me." - Jonathan K., Explorer
  • "...allows the youth to decide for themselves if they have what it takes to follow their dream and pursue Public Safety as a career." - Jessica Wion, Deputy Sheriff, Community Engagement/Advisor
  • "Very good practical training that will prepare me for a career in law enforcement." - Trevor H., Explorer
  • "A ride along is a great opportunity to observe and learn necessary skills for a career in Law Enforcement." - Alexander A., Explorer

Contact Information

The Sheriff's Office Explorer Program is a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) sanctioned Program. For more information or to obtain an application for membership, please contact: