The Coon Rapids Police Explorers are looking for new recruits to join the program with the Coon Rapids Police Department.
Police Explorers must be between the ages of 14-20, must maintain a C average or better in school, and have an interest in law enforcement. They meet weekly on Mondays and train with police officers.
"It really has helped me to develop, not just a person learning about law enforcement, but as a person in my daily life," said Tristan Hetland, who's been a police explorer for nearly five years.
Officer Tim Morin is an advisor and enjoys sharing his knowledge of police work with young people.
"A lot of these kids come in with notions from things they've seen on TV shows, we're able to dispel a lot of that, we're able to show them how it's actually done and peak their curiosity," Morin said.
At 15, police explorer Clara Giese has learned much about police work. She's volunteered at a number of community events and used the program to network with others.
"I've actually made a lot of friends through Explorers and just within my two years of being in it and they are fabulous people," Giese said.
"We bring in the Anoka County Sheriff's Office to do a presentation on crime scene, we brought them to a tour of dispatch, a tour of our Anoka County Jail,” Morin said. “So we're exposing them to all of the components of law enforcement, not just policing, but they can see the multiple different career paths that a career in law enforcement or an interest in law enforcement can lead to."
If you'd like to join the Coon Rapids Police Explorers program, they're holding a first nighter event for those ages 14 to 20, along their parents, on Monday, September 19 at 6 p.m. at Coon Rapids City Hall.
Click here for more information or to register.