CCSOs Law Enforcement Exploring Program now accepting new members

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By HEATHER WALTERS

The Explorers Program within the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting new applicants.

 The program has been on hold since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CCSO did this to ensure the safety of Explorer’s and first responders and prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Now, however, the program is back open and is accepting new members. There are currently seven active members in the program. During the meetings, Explorer’s and Advisors are practicing safe social distancing and adhering to the CDC guidelines.  

 The Explorers Program is a law-enforcement-based program that gives hands-on training to young adults. Anyone 14 years or older up to 21 years old can join. Members learn about law enforcement and complete community service projects.  

 “The program’s main goal is to educate young adults who have a passion for law enforcement and challenge them to become responsible citizens within their communities,” said Deputies Phillip Cole and Chad Cummings. Deputy Cole and Cpl. Cummings are both School Resource Officers at the Colleton High School and are Advisors for the Explorer Program. 

“Most people don’t start learning their jobs until they start work, while explorers begin now.  “By the time explorers are ready to start their careers, they have gained valuable knowledge about the law enforcement profession,” they said. 

 While in the program, Explorers learn about situational awareness, courtroom procedures, and traffic stops. They also learn about crime scene investigations, gang operations, and first responder and first aid procedures. Additionally, those in the program learn about different departments with law enforcement, such as Narcotics and the School Resource Officer Program. 

 The Explorers meet in-person twice monthly, on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All applicants, if in high school, must maintain grade averages of 70 and above in all classes while in the program. According to Advisors, Explorers must turn in report cards every quarter to ensure Explorers are maintaining grade averages.  In addition to grades, Advisors said “character counts” within the program. “The CCSOs Explorers are an extension of the Sheriff’s Office and must present themselves with high-integrity at all times,” Cunningham said. 

 Anyone interested in the program and who would like more information about the program should apply or inquire by emailing Shalane Lowes at slowes@colletoncounty.org. Once an interested person has received their application, they can fill it out and email it to Lowes at the above address or deliver it in-person to the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office headquarters, located at 394 Mable T. Willis Blvd. After the application is reviewed, the applicant will receive a call regarding acceptance or denial. The Explorers Program is funded through fundraising done by the Explorer Advisors and the program’s actual Explorers.