City of Knoxville - KPD Police Explorers

KNOXVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT (KPD)

KPD Home

Chief's Office

Criminal Investigations

Management Division

Patrol Division

Animal Control
Cadet Program
Crisis Negotiators
Field Operations
Honor Guard
Inspections Unit
Police Explorers
Public Safety Collaborative
Special Operations Squad (SWAT)
Teleserve Unit

Support Services

Misc Links

POLICE EXPLORERS - POST #300

Police Explorer Advisor:
Sgt. Sammy Shaffer
865- 215-7524
sshaffer@cityofknoxville.org

The Knoxville Police Department Explorer Post is a volunteer organization that was formed to provide a law enforcement background and training to senior members of the Boy Scouts of America.

The goal of the Police Explorer Post is to prepare individuals between the ages of 14 and 21 years of age to become police officers through education, training, and work experience. Individuals belonging to the Explorer Post are encouraged to transition to the Knoxville Police Department Cadet Program at 18 years of age.

The Explorer Post comes under the supervision of the Patrol Commander and is assigned to the Support Services Section. Sworn police officers are advisors and managers of the post. They supervise and oversee all activities in which the Explorers are involved.

General Information:

The Explorer Post is an organization within the Knoxville Police Department and is affiliated with Learning-for-Life / Exploring (a branch of the Boy Scouts of America).

Designed to educate and expose those who are interested in law enforcement to the aspects and functions of the job, helping to determine a future career path.

The Explorer Post provides working support to the Knoxville Police Department

Applicants are taken year round. Orientations for parents and explorers, along with the basic 60 hour Explorer Academy, are held once or twice a year.

Requirements:

For young men and women ages 14-20 years old who have completed the eighth grade

The Explorer Unit is very disciplined organization. They must maintain a professional demeanor and attitude both on and off duty

Explorer applicants are required to attend an orientation meeting with their parent / guardian, and complete necessary application forms

The applicant must have no criminal history.

Most equipment and uniforms are provided by the Knoxville Police Department, but the Explorer is required to purchase a few items prior to, and throughout, their tenure

There are no fees or dues

The Explorer must maintain an academic average of 2.0 or higher at school

Must be dedicated, physically fit, and able/willing to follow basic instructions/directions

The Explorer is required to attend meetings, training, and events with minimal absences

The Explorers are required to abide by the Explorer Standard Operating Procedures, as well as all Knoxville Police Department General Orders.

Meetings / Training:

Regular meetings are held every Tuesday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Meetings consist of administrative updates, scheduling upcoming events, and training.

Due to the nature of the work, the training is very formal and disciplined

Recruits and Explorers must achieve at least an 80% on all academics

Some of the basic training includes:

Overview of the police department

Basic Criminal Law

Traffic Control

Officer Survival

Defensive Driving

Patrol Procedures

Radio Procedures

Firearms

Activities, Assignments & Assist Patrol with:

UT home football games

DUI Sobriety Checkpoints

Crime Prevention Events

Downtown Events and Patrols

Ride-a-Long program

Competitions with other posts

Search and Recovery Operations

Assist with KPD Boat Patrols

For additional information or to be placed on our recruitment list, please e-mail Officer Sam Henard at Shenard@cityofknoxville.org