Exploring is for young men and women aged 14 through 20 and who are at least a freshman in high school. Its purpose is to bring a character building, citizenship training, and fitness program to the youth of America. Explorer posts are organized by businesses, industries, churches, schools, civic clubs, and community organizations which provide adult volunteer leaders, program resources, and meeting facilities. These posts specialize in a variety of career and recreational programs designed to provide service, social, citizenship, outdoor, career, and fitness activities.

Career surveys conducted in high schools throughout the country demonstrate a significant level of student interest in law enforcement and criminal justice. As with many high visibility careers, law enforcement often is viewed as a glamorous profession which often is distorted by the communications media. Young people want hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and real career information. Exploring seeks to match interested youth with adults who will share their knowledge and skills.

Law enforcement posts are involved in a variety of programs and projects featuring safety, training and service. The program is a hands-on approach rather than a lecture series. Explorers have the opportunity to learn about the requirements of law enforcement careers and gain first hand work experiences. Worthwhile, challenging, and exciting projects and programs are essential to the Explorer program.

Explorers are responsible for their own dress uniform. The dress uniform is similar to that of regular police officers. Explorers also wear an informal uniform consisting of labeled (POLICE EXPLORER) golf shirt, black Levis and athletic shoes. Explorers may wear a duty belt and carry handcuffs, flashlights, gloves, portable radio etc. Explorers may not carry, side arms, sprays or batons. Badges and patches are provided by the department. Helmets, safety vests, and other special equipment are provided when appropriate.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SEAL

1. The circular form of the seal represents continuous existence.
2. The dominant blue field represents justice.
3. The inner circle contains a shield surmounted by an eagle. The eagle spread across the top
    represents the national coverage of Law Enforcement Exploring. The shield itself stands
    for the unified strength in its membership and is composed of four quadrants, each with
    a particular meaning of its own.

    A. The flag represents the principles of democracy for which this country stands and which
         law enforcement is sworn to uphold. The beginnings of these principles are acknowledged
         by the 13 star's, which represent the original colonies.
    B. The badge in the upper right-hand corner of the shield is typically associated with municipal
         police departments.
    C. Opposite this is a seven-pointed star, symbolic of county sheriffs' departments. Both municipal
         police departments and county sheriffs' departments are major sponsors of Law Enforcement
         Explorer posts. Each is set on a field of white divided by horizontal lines. Each division represents
         the individual department that together forms the backbone of law and order in our society.
    D. The lower right-hand corner of the shield contains a torch in a dark background connected to three
         stars in a light background. The torch is symbolic of the guiding light shown on the profession through
         the aid of the sponsor. This light illuminates the stars of truth, knowledge, and integrity-three qualities
         that all Explorers should strive for in the law enforcement profession.
4. Finally, the "Big E," which symbolizes unity of purpose under the Exploring program, connects the four
    quadrants in the shield.