The Office of the Police Commissioner oversees the Suffolk County Police Youth Explorers Program, which is coordinated through the Boy Scouts of America. The goal of the Police Explorers program is to provide an immersive career experience within a controlled environment focused on law enforcement. We aim to aid our Explorers in gaining confidence while garnering career readiness as they learn about the purpose, mission, and objectives of law enforcement agencies.

Our program consists of training, community service, practical experiences, character development, physical fitness, life skills, leadership opportunities and exposure to multiple law enforcement careers. Explorers are empowered as agents of positive social change by participating in various community events in which they support the diverse communities they live in. They conduct community service, provide crime reduction and prevention materials to the public, as well as learn about civic responsibilities and the law enforcement profession from Police Officers who act as advisors and mentors.

Explorers contribute many hours of their personal time to the service of others during their participation in our Law Enforcement Exploring Program. They can take great pride in knowing they have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their community.

This program is endorsed by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriff's Association. More than 2,800 Police and Sheriff's departments have organized Explorer posts specializing in law enforcement. Each of the seven SCPD Precincts maintains an Explorer Post.

Please Note:

Exploring is not a boot camp. We are looking for young individuals with a genuine desire to make a difference in the community in a positive way with an interest in pursuing a law enforcement career or a related field in the criminal justice system. The purpose of this is to ensure a positive learning environment centered on the education of interested parties.

How To Join:

Candidates for membership must undergo a selection process, comprehensive background investigation, and an interview with Post advisers and staff. It is recommended that all potential candidates attend a meeting before applying.

Law Enforcement Exploring Scholarships that can be applied for independently: (information available at exploring.org)

Sheryl A. Horak Memorial Scholarship: $1,000. Next deadline 3/31/24.

NOBLE Scholarships: 3 scholarships ranging from $1,500 - $2,500.

Capt. James J. Regan Scholarships: $2,500. Next deadline 3/31/24.

Motorola Solutions Foundation Public Safety Explorer Scholarship: $2,000 

Law Enforcement Exploring Benefits - Suffolk County Civil Service Exam Fee Waiver:

The County of Suffolk established a civil service examination application fee waiver for eligible candidates who meet the following qualifications:

• Are active members of the Suffolk County Police Department Explorers program;
• Have been members of the Explorers program for a minimum of two years at the time of seeking the fee waiver; and
• Submit a letter from their Explorer post advisor confirming the applicant's satisfactory participation and service with their examination application.

Waiver request application can be downloaded here.