Exploring Law Enforcement with Deputy Chief John Gifford

Exploring Law Enforcement with Deputy Chief John Gifford

EverythingWestport.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

“Law Enforcement Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age, or are 15 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday,” explained Westport Deputy Chief John Gifford (pictured below).

Law Enforcement Explorer posts help youth to gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities such as aviation, engineering, emergency medical services, teaching, and nursing, as well as law enforcement and others. For young men and women who are interested in law enforcement careers, Exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth. Exploring is the branch of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America that focuses on workplace-based and career-oriented interests.

The Westport Police Department recently acquired through a partial state grant and continuing private contributions a solar-powered programmable road sign used for safety purposes. “We tested the new sign in front of the Police Station over the last two weeks running a notice seeking both Explorers and recruiting new police officers,” Deputy Chief Gifford said. “We got an unbelievable response inquiring about the Explorer program. We’re in a rebuilding year and are always looking for new members.”

Deputy Chief John Gifford is an Explorer Advisor for health and safety purposes and in training youth leaders. He has been actively involved in Westport’s Law Enforcement Exploring Post, starting up the program nine years ago as Committee Chairman, and acting as Post Advisor for the last five years. The post currently has five members.

Exploring's purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate a specific Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop. Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for our children to reach out to their community while building a resume and background that will assist them in their chosen career,” Deputy Chief Gifford said. “It does make a difference! Being an Explorer either reinforces their interest, or turns them off entirely.”

“Our members have an opportunity to look into a law enforcement career path, and experience first hand the day to day duties and challenges through tours of law enforcement facilities, police station, and firing ranges,” Deputy Chief Gifford said. He went on to say that they participate in police academy roles as volunteers, take fire arm safety courses, and ride in police cruisers with a police officer while on active duty.

“Our members have been especially active in fund raising efforts and in promoting our green, reflective address sign initiative that provides quick identification of commercial and residential buildings to responding emergency personnel, particularly at night.”

“We have had many success stories with our Explorer program,” Deputy Chief Gifford said. “Three of our members ‘aged out’ of the program a while back and we hired one as a part-time police officer and dispatcher. Another joined the air force, and still another eventually became a state police officer.”

“Our own Tara Souza came to us as a young woman and became an Explorer. She took a mentoring class at the High School, and then came back as a volunteer for the Westport Police Department. She was hired as a part-time dispatcher, then as a part-time police officer, and then graduated to full-time dispatcher and then a full-time police officer,” Deputy Chief Gifford said.

Explorers can and do participate in Scholarship and Awards programs. “When our members earn and achieve awards, it means our program is working,” Deputy Chief Gifford said. “One of their law enforcement programs requires 60 hours of classroom training. That’ a considerable commitment for a young adult involved in school and outside activities,” he said.

Click here to learn more about Exploring

LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORING Scholarships and Awards.

National Youth Representative Scholarship

Law Enforcement Exploring will provide a scholarship to the outgoing National Youth Representative at the National Law Enforcement Conference.

Capt. James J. Regan Scholarship (Law Enforcement, $1,000)

The National Technical Investigators Association presents two one-time $500 scholarships annually. Criteria include academic record, leadership, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement.

DEA Drug Abuse Prevention Service Award (Law Enforcement, $1,000)

The DEA Drug Abuse Prevention Service Award consists of an engraved plaque and a $1,000 award, which will be presented in recognition of "an act or actions representing a contribution of outstanding service in drug abuse prevention." For more information, see the workbook (PDF - 3.7MB) for this award.

Federal Criminal Investigators' Service Award (Law Enforcement, $500)

Federal Criminal Investigators Association recognizes Explorers who render outstanding service to law enforcement agencies with a $500 U.S. Savings bond and plaque.

Sheryl A. Horak Memorial Scholarship (Law Enforcement, $1,000)

This merit-based award involves a $1,000, one-time scholarship. The award also includes a plaque and pin.

Law Enforcement Exploring Community Crime Prevention Award

The International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners provides an annual recognition of Explorer posts that exhibit outstanding support of their communities. Includes a plaque and pin.

Law Enforcement Exploring Proficiency Awards

Provides an opportunity for posts and their Explorers to earn recognition in community service, crime prevention, law enforcement service, law enforcement training, firearms training, emergency preparedness, tenure and Explorer of the Year.

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