Law Enforcement Exploring, commonly referred to as Police Explorers or Police Scouts, is an American vocational education program that allows youth to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies. Founded on July 12, 1973, it is one of the Exploring programs from Learning for Life, a non-Scouting affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. The program is generally available to qualified young adults who graduated 8th grade and are ages 14 through 21. Organization National Learning for Life (LFL) coordinates the Law Enforcement Exploring program at the national level. LFL provides resources such as advisor training, sample policies, and insurance. LFL also hosts a biannual conference and competition, the National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference. Local Local Explorer programs are chartered by a local law enforcement agency. At least one officer from that agency serves as the post "Advisor". This advisor is responsible for department-level administration of the program, and ensuring that the program meets the departments objectives. Most posts maintain a command structure mirroring that of the hosting agency. Activities and training Each post is unique and the activities of each depend on their specific department's policies and guidelines. Typical activities include: Weekly or bi-monthly administrative and training Patrol "ride-alongs" (Some Posts require the Explorers participating be 18 years or older and participate as private citizens) Community Service Tactical training Honor guards Search and Rescue (ESAR posts specialize in this) Radio procedure (how to properly use police radios) Arrests and use of force Traffic stops Building searches Crime scene investigations Crisis/hostage negotiations Report writing Domestic crises Emergency first aid & CPR/AED/officer down White collar crime Active shooter response Field intoxication tests Since the September 11 attacks, some Explorer posts have focused their training on counter-terrorism, border patrol, drug raids, hostage negotiation, and active shooter areas, while still teaching the above listed areas. Academy In some areas of the country, Explorers may go to an Explorer Academy, usually consecutive weekends or week-long to receive training and discipline, similar in nature to that of a real law enforcement academy. The academy ends with a graduation ceremony where certificates (such as CPR certification) and awards are given. Some systems may provide different levels of Academy training, such as: Basic (Complete overview of basic law enforcement) Advanced (with rotating topic each academy or simply more in-depth training on various topics) Explorer Administrative Assistants ( EAA's assist in the