Exploring careers in law enforcement

Staff Sgt. Derek Fox, 375th Security Forces NCOIC of Armory holds an M-4 Carbine Rifle and describes the capabilities and details of the weapon for the Law Enforcement explorers at the Security Forces building Sept. 25, 2013. Fox also described his job duties in the armory and the various weapons he takes care of. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Megan Friedl)

Exploring careers in law enforcement

Staff Sgt. Derek Fox, 375th Security Forces NCOIC of Armory holds an M-9 while telling an explorer, Amber Fitzgerald about the weapon at the Security Forces Armory Sept. 25, 2013. The weapons in the armory are under high surveillance and always need to be checked in and out properly. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Megan Friedl)

Exploring careers in law enforcement

Staff Sgt. Derek Fox, 375th Security Forces NCOIC of Armory shows an explorer, Amber Fitzgerald the parts of the weapon while other explorers look at different weapons with Office of Special Investigations special agent, James Hoy at the Security Forces Armory Sept. 25, 2013. Hoy was part of the explorers program in his hometown for four years when he was younger. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Megan Friedl)

Exploring careers in law enforcement

Staff Sgt. Derek Fox, 375th Security Forces NCOIC of Armory shows an explorer how to properly hold the weapon at the Security Forces Armory Sept. 25, 2013. The explorer program is available in many towns across the country to help young adults decide whether this is a good career for them. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Megan Friedl)

Exploring careers in law enforcement

Staff Sgt. Derek Fox, 375th Security Forces, NCOIC of Armory shows an explorer how to properly hold the weapon at the Security Forces Armory Sept. 25, 2013. The explorer program is available in many towns across the country to help young adults decide whether this is a good career for them. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Megan Friedl)

Exploring careers in law enforcement

Published Oct. 2, 2013
By Airman Megan Friedl
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Through the Law Enforcement Explorer program, a group of 17 Explorers, ages 14 to 20, from St. Clair County, Collinsville, Ill., and Troy, Ill., visited the 375th Security Forces Squadron Sept. 25.

The program is for young men and women with an interest in law enforcement careers.
The Explorers met 375th Security Forces Squadron personnel at Scott and an Office of Special Investigation agent.

"It helps them decide if they want to do this," said Special Agent James Hoy, OSI.
The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities and the nation.

Amber Fitzgerald, a Collinsville High School sophomore, is in her second year of being an Explorer for the Collinsville Township. She said she enjoys volunteering for events.

The Explorers started their night off learning about the different duties of an Air Force security forces officer.

Staff Sgt. Brad Bounds, 375th Security Forces, NCOIC of police services, said, "We show them what they can expect on base and in a deployed environment."

After meeting many of the officers, the three explorer groups were split into their respective towns and received a tour of the police station. They were able to see the weapons armory, the dispatch center and a confinement room.

When the Explorers toured the armory, they were even able to hold a variety of unloaded weapons. They were also allowed to look through night vision goggles and see nonlethal weapons.

At the dispatch center the Explorers saw the security camera views of the base and were introduced to the iPads with the new AtHOC program that the officers use to talk with their co-workers.

Hoy said the purpose of the base's involvement with the Explorer program is to elevate the status and professional stature of OSI, security forces and the base community through effective military and civilian law enforcement partnerships.

Hoy said one of his favorite parts of his job is being able to help people.

"If some of these young adults do decide to pursue a career in law enforcement, I hope one day they will also enjoy helping people just like me," he said.