7/13/2009 - The Portland Police Department Youth Services Division, with sponsorship from the Boy Scouts of America, is proud to announce the formation of the Portland Police Explorer Post #2671. The program is designed for all youth, male and female, between the age of 14 and 20 who have completed the 8th grade and are interested in the field of law enforcement as a potential career.

This program will provide our young adults with educational training along with practical, competitive, and recreational activities. It will also teach youth the importance of responsibility and leadership through integrity, compassion, fairness, and excellence.

These program goals will be met through regular meetings, ride-along programs, situational training, team-building exercises, physical fitness and recreational activities. Classroom activities are taught by instructors with years of experience in the subject matter. Post members will have many opportunities to network with other explorers both regionally and nationally, attend and assist with community functions, and generally play an active roll in our community.

We will be hosting an open house for interested applicants and their parents or guardians on July 19, 2009 from 12pm until 4pm at the Portland Police Department.

Scheduled events will include the presentation of colors by the Portland Police Color Guard, and presentations of the following specialties:

• K-9
• SRT (special Reaction Team)
• Hostage Negotiators
• Hazardous Devices Unit (Bomb Squad)
• Evidence Technicians
• Dive Team
• Defensive Tactics

There will also be a tour of the police station and a cookout. Guest speakers will include Portland Police Chief James Craig, an executive representative from the Boy Scouts of America, Portland Police Sergeant Charles Liddy and Portland Police Officer Timothy Farris.

Please join us for this highly anticipated event, we look forward to meeting you.

RSVP to this event by 07/16/2009 at explorer@portlandmaine.gov