What is the Saint Paul Police Explorers Program?
The Saint Paul Police Explorers Program provides youth ages 14 through 20 with comprehensive training, competition, leadership skills, service, and practical experiences.
This weekly afterschool program includes one-on-one long-term mentoring from volunteer officers and gives youth the opportunity to serve their community.
The SPPD Explorers program gives youth hands-on experience in law enforcement activities and will help them determine if a career in law enforcement is the right fit for them. You don’t need to be set on a future in law enforcement – if you’re looking to learn, grow, make new friends, and meet new people – we encourage you to apply! Experience as an Explorer opens up a world of possibilities – in law enforcement and beyond.
The Saint Paul Police Explorer Program (Post #454) is sponsored by the Saint Paul Police Department and is affiliated with the Exploring Division of the North Star Council, Scouting America.
Who Can Join?
Youth ages 14 through 20. You don’t need to live in Saint Paul to be a Saint Paul Police Explorer – we encourage all youth to apply and join us!
- There is a $70 application fee (assistance is available).
How Often Do Explorers Meet?
We meet every Wednesday during the school year from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Richard H. Rowan Public Safety Training Center at 600 Lafayette Road, Saint Paul, MN 55130.
- What If I Don’t Have Transportation?
If you need help getting to meetings, we are able to provide transportation for Explorers who live in the City of Saint Paul.
How Do I Join?
Want to learn more about the Explorers program? We invite you to attend our next open house where you’ll be able to meet and talk with current Explorers and Saint Paul Police officers who oversee the program.
- November 18, 2026
- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Richard H. Rowan Public Safety Training Center
600 Lafayette Road, Saint Paul, MN 55130
What the Explorers Program Provides
- Build leadership skills
- One-on-one mentoring
- Networking
- Life skills (CPR and basic first aid)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Basic law enforcement training (Explorers get to use our state-of-the-art VR training tools at one of the best law enforcement training facilities in the Midwest)
- Travel opportunities (Explorers competitions and conferences are held across the state of Minnesota; North Dakota; Nassau County, NY; and Las Vegas, NV)
- Scholarship opportunities
- Career counseling
- Resume building opportunities
- Team outings (Minnesota Twins game)
Law Enforcement Training
The Saint Paul Police Explorers program combines classroom training with hands-on role-play activities in the following areas:
- Arrest and search procedures
- Bomb threat response
- Burglary in progress
- Crime scene search
- Crisis negotiation
- Traffic stops
- Traffic accident investigation
- Emergency field first aid
- Police radio communication
- Self-defense
Community Service
Community service is a large component of the Explorers program. Explorers actively serve the community in a variety of ways. Here are just a few examples:
- Providing safety and assistance at special events (Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Minnesota State Fair, crowd control at large gatherings, providing water or food at Safe Summer Nights, transporting items for holiday toy drives)
- Promoting crime prevention awareness
How Explorers Spend Their Time
An Explorer’s time is divided as follows:
- 25% meetings or hands-on role play activities
- 25% competitions and trainings
- 50% Saint Paul Police community events
Open Up a World of Possibilities
Experience as an Explorer opens up a world of possibilities – in law enforcement and beyond. Check out this drone video to see some of our department's 30+ specialty units in action!