Area police agencies launch Police Explorer Program for youth

July 8, 2014

In a joint effort to provide a positive outlet for area youth, the Bonners Ferry Police Department, along with the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Border Patrol, and the United States Forest Service Police, in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America, have created a multi-agency law enforcement Explorer Post in Boundary County. Officers, Deputies, and Agents will work together to forge a cohesive program for boys and girls ages 14-20 who are interested in exploring a career in law enforcement. Explorers will learn skills such as parade drills, police report writing, crowd control, and firearms safety. Explorers will wear uniforms, but they will not look like uniformed police officers so as not to put the kids in danger from criminals who mistake them for on-duty law enforcement. Each law enforcement agency represented will provide at least one officer, deputy or agent as “Advisors” who will train, drill and oversee members of the post. There will be monthly meetings and training designed to teach discipline to the kids and prepare them for the stress involved in a law enforcement career. Being a member of the law enforcement Explorer Program is an honor and a privilege, so good citizenship is required, and members of the post will be required to maintain at least a “C” average in school in order to participate in the program. Officer Buddy Winters will be the advisor representing the Bonners Ferry Police Department. Deputy Caleb Watts will represent the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office. Agent Marc Gray will be the representative from the US Forest Service, and Patrol Agent In Charge Manuel Figueroa represents the US Border Patrol on this team. "Together, we hope to make a difference in the lives of kids who face a crossroads in life," said Bonners Ferry Chief of Police Robert Boone. "It is our hope they choose a path of service, honor and integrity." Applications will be available at the front counter of the Bonners Ferry Police Department, the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, and the US Border Patrol Station in Bonners Ferry. There will be a limited number of kids accepted into the program initially until a core group of members is established. If you know a youth who is interested in Police Explorers, please obtain and submit an application before Friday, August 1, 2014.