The North Miami Police Explorer Post #103 has been in existence for 35 years. Prior to becoming the Explorer Post, the group was known as the Junior Police, which was established in 1943. The Post consists of youth ranging from 15 to 19 years of age. The Post is sponsored by and insured through the Boy Scouts of America, who recently changed the name from Exploring to Learning for Life. The Explorers are required to participate in one evaluation with Learning for Life each year.

The purpose of the Explorer program is to teach the youth responsibility to family, community, and self. Explorers receive year round training which helps them to establish self worth, to learn values of life, to respect others, and to be able to use good judgment in their personal lives as well as during Explorer activities.

Explorers participate in training with other Posts and recently completed the first official Police Explorer Academy at Miami-Dade Community College. They periodically ride along with sworn officers and assist the Police Department by participating in a variety of activities including security house checks during summer vacations, traffic assignments, parade details and funeral details. They also perform community service projects throughout the year. They are learning early on to be professionals and they have learned to add the human aspect to the community they serve. They consider themselves the Proud and Mighty Post 103.

For further information, contact Det. Kathy Ruggiero at 305.891.0294, Ext. 3228, or by e-mail: kruggiero@northmiamipolice.com