The Washington County Sheriff's Office is inviting teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 to get an inside look at law enforcement through their Explorer Program. On Thursday, January 8, from 6 PM to 9 PM, the department is hosting an orientation event to showcase its youth program, which is designed to give curious teens a hands-on experience of what it means to work in law enforcement.
According to a recent social media post by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the orientation is an opportunity for teens and their parents to learn more about the Explorer Program's activities, responsibilities, and the overall commitment it entails. The event, which will be open to all interested parties within the specified age group, aims to be "the perfect chance to learn what the Explorer Program is all about." Interested individuals can find more information and details about the event at this link.
Is your teen (ages 14-18) curious about law enforcement? Join us for our Explorer Program Orientation on Thursday, January 8 from 6 PM - 9 PM.
— Washington County Sheriff's Office (@WCSO_Minnesota) December 26, 2025
It's the perfect chance to learn what the Explorer Program is all about! We hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/nIFLI7OlRl
The Explorer Program is part of the broader Exploring initiative, which is a worksite-based initiative coordinated by Learning for Life - an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. This program specifically focuses on providing educational training programs for young adults on the purposes, mission, and objectives of law enforcement. The program includes topics such as crime prevention, narcotics control, and many other facets of community policing.
The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that the program helps to build character, leadership, and life skills among young people through a focus on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and volunteer service. It offers a unique blend of vocational training and real-world experiences, which enables participants to make an informed decision about a career in law enforcement or criminal justice. Those interested in joining the Explorer Program after the orientation can reach out to the Sheriff's Office to get more details about the application process.
