The Farmville Police Department (FPD) is hosting an open house on March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the FPD to provide information about the creation of a new Law Enforcement Explorer Post through the Learning for Life Council, a division of the Boy Scouts of America, for the Farmville area.
Officer Barry Radden of the FPD said, "Farmville had tried to implement it, but things didn't work out in the past." Radden led a similar post in Fluvanna County. He said FPD Chief Doug Mooney asked him to start Post 656 in Farmville.
Radden explained the program is not limited to local law enforcement. Anyone interested in local, state and federal law enforcement is welcomed. That means if a youth is interested in the CIA or FBI, Radden said they will focus on that. "We will do practice tests and learn about aspects of law enforcement so they can learn as much as possible." He said the overall point is for participants to gain knowledge about a broad arrange of careers in law enforcement.
The open house is catered to teens and young adults interested in both the aspects of law enforcement as well as those wanting to eventually begin a career in law enforcement.
The program is a division of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Radden explained, "They govern all aspects of it. Instead of doing Boy Scout and Girl Scout stuff, you do law enforcement things."
Radden said, "You learn things from how we do what we do and why we do it. It will help propel students who are looking at a career in law enforcement get there." Radden said various law enforcement techniques and procedures would be explained so young people will understand that police should not be seen as enemies. "It's to reach out to the kids, especially those who have had some trouble in their lives."
Nationally, more than 33,000 Explorers participate in Law Enforcement Exploring.
Radden said during the open house that those interested will be able to sign up. In addition, a regional director of the Learning for Life Council is scheduled to be on hand, as well as advisors for the Chesterfield Police Department Post.
"As much as I want the youth to come out, I also want parents and guardians to come out and participate as well," added Radden. Across the nation, more than 8,500 adults volunteer. He said parents can join and become associate advisors and even attend trips the Post would take.
The open house will be held at the FPD. "This is a very exciting opportunity for our youth," said Radden.
