Law Enforcement Exploring is a worksite-based program offered with the cooperation of the Sioux Falls Police Department and Boy Scouts of America. Young women and men who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years old, but have not yet reach the age of 21 years, may apply. The Exploring Program offers experimental learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth.

Explorer Post 504 is always busy! Post 504 and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Explorer Post cohosted the second annual South Dakota Police Explorers’ Challenge held on the Augustana College Campus July 9, 10, and 11, 2010. Explorers from all over the state worked on leadership and team building exercises and worked toward awards throughout the competition. The success of the second annual challenge is taking us to the third annual challenge being hosted by the Watertown Police Department Explorer Post in July of 2011.

Additionally, our members worked many events in support of the Police Department in 2010. The Post was involved with festivals, parades, bike rodeos, child safety events, and other events that needed extra assistance. The biggest event again this year was the LifeLight Festival held outside of Sioux Falls. The Post members worked long days assisting with traffic control and parking during the event. No matter the weather, the Explorers are there to lend a hand!

When our Explorers turn 21 years old, they are retired from the post. Some of them have become adult civilian advisors for our post and others have moved onto law enforcement careers. As of 2010, we have former Explorers employed with the Sioux Falls Police Department and many municipal and county agencies around South Dakota.

2011 will be another busy year for our Post. The young people in our Post are again looking forward to the challenges that will come their way. Sioux Falls Explorer Post 504 members and advisors would like to say thank you to the Sioux Falls Police Department, Fraternal Order of Police, Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, and the Fraternal Order of Police Associates for their continuing support of this great program!

For further information about the Sioux Falls Police Explorers please contact the Sioux Falls Police Community Services Division at 605-367-7230 or go to http://www.siouxfalls.org/Police/Specialized%20Units/Explorers/application_form/letter_form.