The Albert Lea Police Department is looking for a few extra sets of eyes.

The Explorers program allows people between the ages of 14 and 20 the opportunity to explore the field of law enforcement. The department hopes to expand its Explorers program, said officer Jacob Stockwell.

There are six members presently.

“I am hoping to get the Explorers involved with more events. It gives them responsibility and accountability and helps them realize what the ‘real world’ is like,” Stockwell said.

Meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, though that is subject to change if more Explorers come on board. They discuss traffic stops, crime scenes, building searches, first aid, state laws, interviews and court procedures, among other topics.

“I also try to continuously add new topics to the meetings to give the Explorers variety and more hands-on opportunities,” he said.

Stockwell was an Explorer himself with ALPD before entering law enforcement. His favorite part of the program for him now is interacting with youth.

“I hope that I am making a change in the lives of some of the Explorers,” he said.

Explorers help ALPD officers with city and county events, ranging from The Big Freeze and the Freeborn County Fair to the Third of July Parade and the Fourth of July fireworks display. Explorers aren’t officers, but they do assist with tasks not deemed dangerous, such as traffic control, parking guidance and knowing how to give first aid.

Participants must have a 2.0 grade-point average, reside in Freeborn County, pass a background check and have no past criminal charges.

To apply for the Explorers program, contact Stockwell at 377-5194 or send an email to jacob.stockwell@co.freeborn.mn.us.

The Explorers program is affiliated with the Twin Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, but Explorers do not have to be a Boy Scout. However, many Explorers hear about it through Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.