Police Explorers back in action
Published 5:15 pm Wednesday, December 19, 2012
About eight students make up the Demopolis Police Department Police Explorers, a junior police organization aimed for students interested in law enforcement.
Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese and Sgt. Rex Flowers were both part of Junior Police, which is now the Explorers, before starting their careers as police officers.
Flowers, an officer at DPD for 19 years, said it feels good to help students involved in Explorers.
“I am glad to be able to help because I was glad someone helped me,” he said.
The program was inactive for a while in Demopolis and has recently got its start again.
Reese said he felt it was important to bring the program back because of the impact it makes on youth.
“I think it is important to employ our youth back into the the police department,” he said. “It is also important to give them the information they need about being a police officer and what being a police officer is all about.”
He said he recalls being a part of the Junior Police and the impact it made on him.
The program is mainly for ages 14-19. Anyone older should go into the police reserve.
“We wouldn’t turn anyone away that was interested in the program, it is definitely something positive for the kids,” Flowers said.
Some of the things the Explorers have done recently include going to the shooting range, doing building searches and other things.
Noah Long said joining the Police Explorers has been a great experience.
“I really enjoyed the shooting range,” he said.
Those ages 14-19 are eligible to join the Demopolis Police Department Police Explorers. Shown are some of the members Quamesha Belton, Dasia Webb, Jalen Wilson, Matthew Trest and Noah Long.
Those interested in the program can pick up an application at the front desk of the police department or attend a meeting.
The group typically meets on the first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the police department training room located toward the rear of the building.
As a part of the group restarting, the students have received uniforms.
“In the future, we are planning to do some community service and continue to brainstorm ideas for future events,” Flowers said.
Members of the program include Dasia Webb, Jalen Wilson, Matthew Trest, Noah Long, Kyle Coats, Alan Campbell, Matthew Soronen and Quamesha Belton.
There is a $20 membership and insurance fee to be a part of the program.
For more information about the Police Explorers program call the Demopolis Police Department at (334) 289-3073.
