by Chief Michael DiBella, Lacey PD
LACEY-On December 7th, 2016, I announced Lacey Township Police Department’s partnership with the Ocean County Sheriff to bring our young adults the most advanced police explorer program available. The recent partnership has led to several new police explorers from Lacey Township. The new Police Explorers have all been measured for their respective police explorer uniforms in anticipation for working events throughout Lacey Township and Ocean County in 2017. In addition, the new Police Explorers have already received training on preparing and conducting search warrants, which included a mock search warrant execution for illegal drugs and firearms at a building located at the Robert J. Miller Air Park , Law Enforcement Use of Force Training and Military Etiquette and Drill. The next Police Explorer Meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, January 19th, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. at the Robert J. Miller Air Park, located at 901 Route 530, Bayville, NJ (Berkeley Township). The topic of discussion will be illegal narcotics. Lacey Township Police Chief Michael C. DiBella and Lieutenant Paul Sullivan, Jr., will be representing Lacey Township Police Department. The Lacey Township/Ocean County Sheriff’s Police Explorer Post is still accepting a limited amount of applications for Police Explorers.
The Police Explorer program is run through the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program and is designed to provide exciting and challenging training, along with “on-the-job” experience for young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement. Police Explorers participate in many phases of Law enforcement work, but are NOT placed in dangerous situations. The Police Explorer program is an excellent way to become involved with the community while learning about a possible career in law enforcement! Several Law Enforcement Officers began their careers as police explorers.
REQUIREMENTS
Be 14 to 20 years of age (must enter the program prior to 18th birthday)
Maintain at least a ‘C’ average in all school work through 12th grade
Pass a background investigation (criminal/motor vehicle record)
Complete an oral interview
Maintain outstanding moral and ethical character at all times
Demonstrate willingness to serve and participate in Police Explorer activities and community events
An applicant CANNOT have any arrests, convictions, or serious motor vehicle violations (for example a DUI). Police Explorers will have to display professionalism and good behavior at all times. The Police Explorer must be able to work independently and with other Explorers, Explorer Peer Supervisors, and Law Enforcement Officers. The public will hold Police Explorers to the same high standards as Police Officers.
Police Explorers must attend training three times a month once appointed. The training is conducted by Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers, Lacey Township Police Officers, and additional law enforcement officers, who serve as Police Explorer Advisors.
Applications are currently available at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, 120 Hooper Avenue, 3rd Floor, in Toms River, and the Lacey Township Police Department, located at 808 W. Lacey Road in Forked River. Applications are also available at the Lacey Township High School Guidance Office, located at 73 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. Completed applications can either be submitted to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department or the Lacey Township Police Department. There are no fees involved for the police explorer program. For additional information or questions, please contact Lieutenant Paul Sullivan, Jr., at the Lacey Township Police Department (609) 693-6636, ext. 2577, or Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Christine Farrell at (732) 288-7843.