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Exploring careers in law enforcement

  • Published
  • By Airman Megan Friedl
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
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.