East Mississippi youth interested in law enforcement as a potential career choice can get a first-hand look at what it takes to keep Meridian and Lauderdale County safe after the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department and Scouting America on Thursday announced a new explorer program.
The program, open to youth ages 14-18, will give students an opportunity to work side-by-side with Lauderdale County deputies, investigators, crime scene technicians and more.
“Exploring focuses on hands on experiences, leadership development and mentorship from community professionals like the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department,” said Rachel Daleo of Scouting America’s Mississippi Riverlands Council. “We’re really excited about this opportunity.”
Sheriff Ward Calhoun said the explorer program is a great way for the department to not only connect with area students but also meet those already interested in law enforcement careers.
Explorers will meet twice per month at the beginning, Calhoun said, with opportunities for ride-alongs and other things coming as they advance through the program.
“When we talk about law enforcement, it is much broader than somebody who wears a gun and a badge and is out in a patrol car. You’re talking about kids who are interested in science. We need individuals who are interested in fingerprints and blood analysis and doing chemical analysis on drugs,” he said.
Michael Fortenberry, a former explorer, U.S. Marine, part-time deputy and current Airforce member, said his experience with the program had a profound impact. It showed him what opportunities were out there and helped guide him into his career.
“It helped me get where I am here,” he said.
The explorer program gives teens the ability to explore those interests and see how their passions can be used in the law enforcement field, Calhoun said.
To qualify for the explorer program, students must be at least 14, graduated eighth grade and have at least a C average in their classes, Daleo said. Those interested in joining the program can contact the Meridian Scouting office at 601-693-6757 for more information.
Over the next few weeks, the sheriff’s department will be putting out more information about how to get involved in the explorer program through its social media channels, Calhoun said. School resource officers at Lauderdale County schools will also be able to point interested students in the right direction.
“Hopefully soon you’ll see them out and about later on this summer as we get started on this program,” he said.