Milton Police Explorers Participate In Law Enforcement State Competition

From The City of Milton: On July 7-9, six Milton Police Explorers traveled to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Ga. to participate in the 13th Annual Law Enforcement Explorers Association of Georgia's (L.E.E.A.G.) state competition.

More than 200 Explorers from 20 different law enforcement agencies attended the competition. A total of 25 teams competed in event categories such as DUI/Drugs, Traffic Stops, and Active Shooter with the Milton Police Explorers Post 2570 placing first, second and third place respectively. During the annual competition and conference, Milton Police Explorer Lieutenant Christine Lim was also elected by her peers to serve as the next L.E.E.A.G. Youth Board President.

"Our Explorers program is less than two years old and they've placed in all three state or national competitions they've attended," said Milton Police Chief Rich Austin. "To compete at this level and achieve this kind of recognition is a real testament to the program participants as well as the numerous Milton officers and non-sworn staff who dedicate their time as program advisors."

The event categories allow for real-life scenarios, role playing, and interactive assessment by evaluators who are experts in their field. Participants must apply what they've learned, utilize critical thinking skills, and make time-sensitive decisions specific to each situation.

The Milton Police Explorers is a year-long program open to participants ages 14 years to 21 years, the age someone can legally become a police officer. Launched in February 2016, the program currently has 18 program participants and five Explorers graduated earlier this year.

According to the program's lead advisor Officer Andrew Noblett, the City of Milton has established a 501(c)(3) to benefit the participants of the Milton Police Explorer Post 2570. Tax-deductible contributions can be made online through the Explorer's webpage hosted on the Milton website (www.cityofmiltonga.us). Donations to the Milton Explorers program directly benefits the participants through additional training opportunities, needed equipment and supplies, team building opportunities, and scholarships for the pursuit of a college degree in criminal justice.

"With limited city resources, community donations allow us to grow our program and enhance the experience of our participants by providing necessary equipment," said Officer Noblett. "For example, we've been fortunate that the Cambridge High School Law and Justice Program allowed us to initially borrow their blueguns [training guns] to train and prepare for competitions, but purchasing our own equipment is a long-term need."

Young adults and parents interested in learning more about the Milton Police Explorers program, or those considering a tax-deductible contribution to the program, can contact Officer Andrew Noblett by email at andrew.noblett@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2527.

Images Courtesy of The City of Milton