EXPLORER PROGRAM GROWING

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- It's a program that gets young people who are interested in careers in law enforcement exposure to different facets of the field. Now, more than 15 people have joined the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post.

Officials say they're ecstatic in the response and would like to see even more participation among teens.

Lead advisor Detective Lt. Hal Kluttz re-established the post for youth between the ages of 14 and 20 years old back in April and its grown since that time.

"Five additional male and female volunteers are serving as program advisors and overseeing the program," said Kluttz.

In the program, explorers will be instructed in a variety of law enforcement related topics that include criminal investigations; crime scene search; building searches; accident investigations; traffic direction; crowd control; patrol procedures; communications; handling evidence; jail operations; and many other topics.

The program will both influence and challenge each young person to live up to a higher standard of responsibility, respect, service, and ethics, both in their academic, and personal lives.

Explorers are issued uniforms and assist the Sheriff’s Office in many events throughout the year including the Apple Festival, Denver Days and other activities.

"They have the opportunity to attend a weeklong Explorer Academy at the Justice Academy in Salemburg during the summer and a survival weekend at Camp Grimes during the fall," said Kluttz. "They learn about law enforcement but also do things as a team, like skiing trips to the North Carolina Mountains and white water rafting in the summer."

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan.14, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office on John Howell Memorial Drive in Lincolnton.

Anyone between the ages of 14 and 20 or in the 8th grade is a candidate for the program. For more information, contact Detective Lt. Hal Kluttz at (704) 736-8864.