The Mankato Police Department is launching a recruitment drive for young individuals interested in law enforcement and community service. The department's Police Explorers program is now opening applications for its 2025–2026 season. This initiative, aimed at students from 9th grade through age 20, provides hands-on experience in policing through both classroom instruction and scenario-based training exercises.
Participants in the program are given the chance to actively engage with the community they serve, volunteering at local events such as Kiwanis Lights, the Mankato Marathon, and the Shop with a Hero initiative. This opportunity is poised to not only introduce the youth to the nuances of law enforcement but also to help shape them to potentially continue to passionately serve in this capacity. According to a social media post from the Mankato Police and Fire, uniform experience is not all that's on offer—there is also a commitment to provide "Uniforms, training, and equipment provided at no cost."
Each training session will be conducted on Sunday evenings at the Public Safety Center, located at 710 S. Front Street. The program, which begins in October and concludes in April, culminates with the State Explorer Conference. There, members get the opportunity to compete and connect with fellow Explorers from across the state of Minnesota and beyond. The explorers partaking in the program will also gain invaluable experience by riding along with on-duty officers, providing insight into the day-to-day operations of a police officer.
The Police Explorers program is spearheaded by Sergeant Kelly Wood, who can be contacted for more information via email at [email protected] or by phone by calling 311. For those looking to jump straight into the fray, applications are currently being accepted online on the Mankato city website. With an eye on building essential skills, serving the community, and discovering a potential career path, the Police Explorers program stands as a foundational step for many young people eager to explore the field of law enforcement.
