High Schoolers: Explore a Career in Law Enforcement

Applications are now available for the Bedford Police Department's Explorer Program, a law enforcement training ground for aspiring police officers.

Last year, 18 students participated in the program's and completed training in first-aid response, crime prevention, and traffic control. Highlights of the 2010-11 experience included a tour of a and a in the Bedford courthouse accompanied by bagpipes.

Detective Joe Communale, who directs the program, said the purpose of the Police Explorers is to "educate and involve young men and women 14-20 years of age in police operations, law enforcement, and community activities."

The program gets underway in January, but interested students can apply now. The application, program overview, and essay requirement are posted with this story.

The time committment is a weekly 90-minute meeting on Tuesday evenings, which includes training, guest speakers, field trips, and explorer competitions. Upon completion of the 16-week training, explorers will be able to attend special events in the community to assist police officers with parking, and traffic control.    

For more information, contact Det. Joseph Comunale at 241-2953 or Police Officer William Smith at (914) 241-3111.