Explorers is a Boy Scouts of America/Learning for Life career education program for youth between the ages of 14 (completed the 8th grade) – 20. The Fort Myers Police Department sponsors a Post for youth that are interested in a career in law enforcement. The goal of the Explorer Post is to assist each participant in becoming a mature, responsible peer leader with the tools of furthering a career in law enforcement.

The objective is to provide an in depth, first-hand experience in the related fields of law enforcement. All Explorer training is in accordance with the by-laws and guidelines of the Explorer Division of the Boy Scouts of America and the Fort Myers Police Department.

Our commitment is to improve relations between police officers and the youth in the City of Fort Myers through a close working relationship with youth who have expressed an interest in or are curious about police work.

The purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to become responsible and caring adults. These young adults learn ethical decision making through positive social interaction, leadership development, hands-on experience, problem solving skills, and service to the community.

The mission is to provide an opportunity for young men and woman to learn about law enforcement by using classroom presentations and practical exercises that focus on the latest crime prevention techniques. To provide a safe atmosphere that will guide young adults to a better path for the future through training, leadership, teamwork, discipline and friendship. To provide a means by which young men and woman may determine, through actual experience and training, if they would like to pursue a career in law enforcement as adults.

Areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, in-service learning, character education and leadership experience. These areas are based and conducted in a public safety environment. 

What Are The Goals & Objectives Of Explorers?

• Further the Explorers' education
• Encourage the Explorers' participation in a wide variety of service activities
• Enhance the Explorers' participation for the future roles as citizens, community members, leaders, and future law enforcement officers.

What Is The Purpose Of Explorers?

• Build individual character
• Develop leadership skills and potential
• Gain appreciation for community service
• Develop good citizenship

If you are up for the challenge and are:

• Between the ages of 14 and 20
• Maintaining a 2.0 or higher G.P.A. in school.
• Of good moral character.
• Having no discipline problems at home, school or work.
• Interested in law enforcement

The Fort Myers Police Explorers train regularly to maintain and improve capabilities in many aspects of law enforcement:

• Arrest and Search
• Narcotics Identification
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Community Policing
• The Court System
• Handcuffing Procedures
• Communications
• Firearms Safety
• Defensive Tactics
• Leadership Training
• Physical Fitness Training
• Hostage Negotiation
• Bomb Threat
• Burglary in Progress
• Traffic and Crowd Control
• Patrol Procedures
• Domestic Intervention
• Accident Investigation
• First Aid and CPR
• Criminal Investigation
• Traffic Stop Procedures
• Building Search Procedures
• Investigative Tactics
• Officer Safety
• Florida Criminal Law
• Crisis Intervention
• Verbal Commands and Control

If you are interested in registering for the next New Applicants Meeting, contact Officer Athena Mitchell (239) 321-7700 e-mail amitchell@fmpolice.com