Explorers Baca and Dallal with Officer Wilken. | Officer Wilken.
The Skokie Police Explorer program, or "post," is a hands-on program open to young adults interested in choosing a career in law enforcement or the criminal justice field.
The Explorers have assisted police with charitable activities, such as giving gifts to needy kids.
Skokie Police Officer Richard Wilken said the post benefits Skokie residents and business owners by identifying local youth interested in law enforcement careers by providing them with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
“The Skokie Police Department and the community has benefited from this program over the years by having many former Explorers return to the department to serve the community as police officers, telecommunications and other roles within the police department,” he said.
Wilken added that Skokie is a diverse community and strives to have both an Explorer post that represents the community, and a police department that represents the community.
“Youth involved in the program are the future Skokie law enforcement leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “Our hope is that any young adult that has an interest in the criminal justice career field gives our program a try.”
The explorers work in concert with the Skokie Police to gain exposure to various criminal justice careers and networking activities with law enforcement professionals.
“They obtain hands-on experience and awareness of the criminal justice system, helping them make an informed decision on a future career in law enforcement,” Wilken said. “The program helps them prepare for career related advanced education and they receive comprehensive training, taught by active Skokie Police officers.”
The Explorers troop is open to young adults ages 14 through 20. There is an annual fee of $48 that covers uniforms and other equipment, and the group meets every other week in the evenings at the Skokie Police Department, and at other times based on their mission.
Anyone interested in joining the program or would like to learn more may contact Officer Wilken at 847-982-5922 or richard.wilken@skokie.org.
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