On Tues. Sept. 16, Aurora Police Explorers recruiters came to Smoky to recruit students to join their program. This 14-16 week program invites students to learn what being a police officer is like.

Students between the ages of 14 and 19 can join this program. “You must have good grades and you will have to pass a background check,” said sergeant Kayla Kirk, “If you stay until you turn 21 and you go into the [police academy], you will look better because you know more.”

The Explorers receive hands-on training in firearms, community events (such as providing security), tactical operations, crime scene investigations and other law-based subjects.

“A lot of your training is class time and you will learn about what we do on a day-to-day basis.” said Kirk.

“You get to learn a lot of the training [that] the actual Aurora officers learn in their academies such as rescue-control techniques, traffic stops, investigations, building searches. You name it, we pretty much do it.” said lieutenant Spencer Koerner.

Explorers who excel in the program are eligible to receive Civil Service Reference points when they apply to be a police officer. They also receive leadership opportunities as well as chances to ride with officers who are on duty.

Students who wish to apply can do so online at http://www.auroraexplorers.com/index.html or they can visit their headquarters at 15001 East Alameda Parkway.