PURPOSE
Integrity, Commitment, Honor
The St. Louis Area Law Enforcement Exploring Association is comprised of more than a dozen police explorer posts from the metro area. This non-profit organization provides training opportunities, resources, and networking for the police explorers.
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Dedicated police officers and advisors devote their time, knowledge, and passion to inspire the police explorers on a rewarding journey to becoming favorable candidates entering the law enforcement career field.
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To learn about becoming a police explorer in your local community, click the button below.
MEET THE DIRECTORS
KENNY ENZ
Director
Sergeant, St. Charles Police Department
Sgt. Enz began as a police explorer for the Wentzville police department. At the age of 18, he was employed by Wentzville as a corrections officer followed by a dispatcher. While working, he attended the Eastern Missouri Police Academy and earned his POST license. Sgt. Enz was employed by the City of St. Charles Police Department and serves in various capacities including Crash Reconstruction, Type II breath instrument supervisor, standardized field sobriety test instructor, Drug Recognition Expert, Police Laser/RADAR instructor, StopStick instructor, FAA Drone Pilot, and a police motorcycle operator. Sgt. Enz holds generalist and specialist instructor licenses through the Missouri Department of Public Safety and uses them to instruct at the Eastern Missouri Police Academy and for CP Crime Scene Consulting & Seminars. Sgt. Enz is currently assigned as a shift supervisor.
JIM ERVIN
Assistant Director
Sergeant, Manchester Police Department
Sgt. Ervin became a police explorer at age 15 with St. Louis County. At age 18 he obtained employment as a Dispatcher with St. Louis County Police. At age 21 he attended the Missouri Sheriff's Association and earned his POST license. Sgt. Ervin served in various capacities including School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Taser/ASP/Sabre OC Instructor, K9 handler, Detective, and Investigator for the Major Case Squad. Sgt. Ervin is currently assigned to shift supervisor with the Manchester Police Department. Without the police explorer program, Sgt. Ervin would have never pursued a career in law enforcement.
JEN ERVIN
Assistant Director
Crime Analyst, Bridgeton Police Department
Jen joined the Hazelwood Police Department's explorer program and was an explorer for five years. At age 21, Jen was employed by the St. Ann Police Department as a dispatcher and then later employed by the Bridgeton Police Department as a dispatcher. Jen was tasked with re-implementing the Bridgeton police explorer program and successfully did so in 2016. Jen now serves as a crime analysist in the support staff division and continues to serve as an Advisor in the explorer program and as a instrumental leader in the St. Louis Area Law Enforcement Exploring Association.
DARLA GRAY
Media Director
Lieutenant (Ret.) St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
Lt. Gray has dedicated over 40 years to Law Enforcement Exploring, demonstrating exceptional commitment to the program. In 2005, she assumed responsibility for creating the academy's signature "Week in Review" video presentation. This comprehensive project involves compiling and editing photos and video footage to showcase the academy experience.
During each academy session, her primary focus is documenting memorable moments and creating engaging content. The videos are premiered at the academy and shared across various platforms, including our website and social media channels. The joy expressed by Explorers and their families during these screenings continues to make her work deeply rewarding.
Over the years, Lt. Gray has witnessed the program's lasting impact, observing former Explorers return as advisors and directors, contributing to the development of future law enforcement officers. Additionally, she manages the documentation of academy competitions, maintaining detailed records of these events.
Lt. Gray's extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and invaluable insight have been instrumental to the association's continued success. Her contributions have helped shape the program into what it is today.
NICOLE DICKERSON
Training Director
Police Officer, St. Louis County Police Department
Officer Dickerson serves as the Training Director for the St. Louis Area Law Enforcement Exploring Association, where she plays a vital role in shaping the educational experience of future law enforcement professionals. In this capacity, she skillfully manages the complex scheduling of the annual Explorer Academy, ensuring seamless coordination across all three training levels.
As Training Director, Ofc. Dickerson's extensive responsibilities include developing and managing comprehensive training schedules for the week-long Explorer Academy, coordinating specialized demonstrations and instructional sessions, and maintaining strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout the region. She excels in recruiting and liaising with guest speakers and subject matter experts while ensuring curriculum alignment across all training levels.
Her expertise in program coordination and ability to build strong relationships with law enforcement partners has been instrumental in delivering high-quality training experiences for Explorers. Through her dedication to the program, Ofc. Dickerson continues to enhance the educational foundation for aspiring law enforcement officers in the St. Louis area.
EXPLORER TESTIMONIALS
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The Police Explorers program has really changed my life. I learned important skills such as leadership, communication, and how to work through problems. The program also taught me the value of working with others and helping out in my community. I was able to meet mentors who offered advice about careers in law enforcement. Being a Police Explorer has made me more interested in the law enforcement career field and also helped me obtain the confidence to strive for reaching my goals. It's helped me become more responsible and focused and I am thankful for all the opportunities it has provided me.
Explorer Lindsey G.
If you're looking for a career in law enforcement this is a great start because you get hands on training from the experts who do this every day. This program will also make you stand out from others when you start applying at departments.
Explorer Drew H.
The explorer program is perfect for those interested in law enforcement to learn and get first-hand experience from the professionals and apply what you've learned.
Explorer Logan V.
ADVISOR TESTIMONIALS
Officer Ryan Y.
"Being an advisor for the Explorers has helped me fulfill my goal of giving back to youth in the community. Being able to mentor and guide these young people along their journey is more than rewarding, it's inspiring. I'm inspired by the amount of dedication and hard work they put into their learning. They inspire me to go out in my duties and work harder.
The connections formed amongst advisors is unmatched. One aspect of policing is about networking, and the explorers program has fostered a network of some amazing men and women in law enforcement with a common goal of shaping and preparing the future of law enforcement."
Officer Kevin W.
"I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the police explorer program. In the short time I've been involved with the program, I've seen the benefits on how it has positively impacted the youth in our communities and I believe it is an excellent community engagement program that all law enforcement agencies should invest in. Mentoring these aspiring police explorers has not only made me a better person, but a better police officer."
Retired Lt. Darla G.
"One of the most rewarding experiences of the explorer academy is seeing the explorers come together as friends. The enter the week as strangers but leave as life-long friends. They learn to work as a team to overcome whatever we throw at them. This experience is not just among the explorers but also among the Advisors. We come from many different departments but all have the same goal, to train the next generation of law enforcement. We also end the week as friends."