Employees of the Kingsport Police Department, with sponsorship and funding by the F.O.P, established a Law Enforcement Explorer Post in 1988. Explorers are a branch of the Boy Scouts of America. Our Explorer, Post #185, is an organization that enables young adults, male and female, to participate in many types of educational and recreational activities. The purpose of this program is to allow young adults who are interested in law enforcement as a career, to learn and experience the many aspects of this type of occupation.
At each of our weekly meetings, guest speakers are invited to discuss their field of expertise. These topics relate to the many aspects of law enforcement and some of the more recent meetings included topics on the following:
- Tactical Training on Self-Defense/Handcuffing Procedure
- Basic Firearms Familiarization
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Radio Communications
- Report Writing
- Crime Prevention
- Traffic Direction and Investigation
The requirements to be an Explorer are:
- The applicant must be between the ages of 14 and 21.
- If the applicant is still in middle school, he or she must be in the 8th grade and preparing to enter high school the following year.
- Each applicant must maintain a minimum scholastic average of 2.0.
- The applicant must not have any arrest or conviction records for serious offenses.
- The applicant must be of good moral character.
Once an application is received, a background investigation will be conducted with local law enforcement and the school the applicant is attending. If the applicant is under 18 years of age, parental/guardian approval is required. Once the applicant has been approved, the new Explorer member may begin attending the regularly scheduled meetings. Regular attendance at our meetings and active participation in events is required.
Explorers are issued special uniforms identifying each person as a member of the Kingsport Explorer Post.
Anyone needing more information or an application should contact Billy Boyd at (423) 229-9435. He is assisted by adult leader Janet Boyd, and Eric Clear who handles administrative tasks. They normal meet on Tuesday nights.
Being an Explorer means that you are willing to make a commitment to becoming an active member of this unique group of individuals. It provides an opportunity to learn about law enforcement, but to have fun while doing so.
On September 15, 2001 the Kingsport Post won top honors at the annual Law Enforcement Post Competition at the Slater Community Center in Bristol against 10 other local posts. This is the fifth time the post has taken the "Overall Winner" trophy, finishing first in two catagories and second and third in two other catagories. They also won in 1993, 1995, 1996 and 2000. Exercises in traffic stops, domestic disputes, building searches, crime scenes and police pistol and rifle courses were included in the competition.
"I believe that America's strength lies in her trust in God and in the courage and strength of her people.
I will, therefore, be faithful to my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my life.
I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.
I will recognize the dignity and worth of my fellow men and will use fair play and goodwil in dealing with them.
I will acquire the Exploring attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frountiers of our changing world."