Mission Statement
The mission of the Union County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program is to find young men and women in our community who are interested in learning the skills and duties of today’s law enforcement officer. Today’s law enforcement officers continually train in a multitude of areas in order to defeat all types of criminal activity. The young men and women that become part of our Sheriff’s Explorer Program will learn and work alongside with enforcement professionals of our area. We hope to give tools and knowledge to our Explorers who strive for excellence to help begin their future in a law enforcement career. We are here to teach them professionalism, integrity, and most importantly to provide a proper mindset to stay safe and make it home to their families.
Sheriff’s Explorer Training
Members of the Union County Sheriff’s Explorer Program will experience intensive training similar to that of our deputies. Classes include domestic violence investigation, accident investigation, traffic stops, traffic direction, traffic law, criminal law, criminal investigation, wildlife management and drug identification and investigation. All classes will be taught by qualified training officers, many of whom are assigned within the special divisions, along with other agencies from the surrounding area. Classes consist of both classroom learning and practical exercises that allow Explorers to work hand in hand with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Goals
The Union County Sheriff’s Explorer program provides a community service organization for any young adult interested in a law enforcement career, and allows young men and women to better understand the role and duties of modern law enforcement. The Explorer Program also provides members with training and experience in leadership and teamwork, giving them the self confidence they need. Our goal is to find young men and women with the interest and initiative to become the future of law enforcement, and with our help, assist them in doing so.
Competitions and Trips
Explorer Competitions
Explorers will have the opportunity to compete in a number of law enforcement events throughout Georgia, and even a National competition at Winterfest in Gatlinburg, TN. These competitions consist of domestic violence investigations, emergency response, building searches, firearms, traffic stops, and crime scene processing.
Field Trips
Explorers will see the divisions of Union County Sheriffs Office, different levels of the Judicial System, and meet the officers and people working in those fields. The Explorers will also have the opportunity to participate in hikes and camping trips around the area, learning man-tracking techniques and survival necessities.
Activities
Weekly Meetings
Explorer meetings are held every Tuesday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Locations will be specified prior to meeting. Classes and practical exercises include:
• Mobile Command Operations
• Criminal and Traffic Law
• Traffic Stops
• Domestic Violence
• Officer Survival
• Crime Scene Processing
• Arrests
• Defensive Tactics
• Persons and Room Searches
• Personal Communication
• Wildlife Management
• K-9 Procedures
• Narcotics Identification and Dangers
• Woodland Operations
• Special Weapons and Tactics or S.W.A.T. equipment
Public Relations and Services
Because Union County Sheriff’s Office is here to protect and serve our community, we strongly encourage the same outlook from the Explorers . We will involve the Explorers in community events such as festivals, parades, and at any other occasion where our assistance is warranted. We will also participate in the promotion of fund raising events such as Georgia Sheriff's Association Youth Homes, Relay for Life, and events sanctioned by Union County Sheriff's Office.
Membership Requirements
Members shall be ages 14-21 years, maintain a grade point average above 80%, maintain a clean criminal record and commit no serious traffic violations. All of these elements will be reviewed and monitored on an ongoing basis by an interview panel. Applicants shall, upon acceptance to the program, be subject to probationary status for a set time in order to monitor performance and conduct.
Apply Today to Become Part of the Future of Law Enforcement!
Call or e-mail:
Cpl. Tony Hodgkins
Office: (706) 439-6066
Mobile: (706) 994-4181
ahodgkins@unioncountysoga.org
Sgt. Rick Landress
Office: (706) 439-6066
rlandress@unioncountysoga.org
Ginger Carey
Office: (706) 439-6066
gcarey@unioncountysoga.org
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