Niagara County Sheriff's Office, with Falls Police, grow Explorer's program county-wide

Yahoo

3 days ago

At a time when many local law enforcement agencies are struggling to recruit the next generation of law enforcement officers, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office and Niagara Falls Police are hoping NCSO Explorers Post 2911 holds the key.
'We've held the Explorers program for years,' Sheriff Michael Filicetti said, 'but it was always out at our headquarters, which is kind of in the middle of nowhere.'
Then five years ago, the Falls police decided to join in a partnership with the sheriff's office to offer the program for communities on the western side of the county. That program is run out of the Packard Court Community Center.
'We wanted to try to reach another part of the county,' Filicetti said. 'We united to reach the people in the communities on the west end of the county, who we don't always see. And it's been so successful, the Falls police now join us on our program (in Lockport).'
With 15 recent graduates of the Falls-based program, Filicetti said the combination and outreach efforts has spurred new growth and energy in the Explorers.
The program is designed for 16- to 20-year-olds with an interest in a career in law enforcement. Filicetti calls it an opportunity to prepare for the future.
'They're getting a front row seat to observe and learn about law enforcement,' the sheriff said.
The program sessions are led by sheriff's deputies and corrections officers, along with Falls police officers and dispatchers. Explorers get to experience some of the hands-on training that takes place at the county law enforcement academy.
The Explorers met every Monday evening for 14 weeks during the school year. In addition to experiencing real-world law enforcement training, they also have the opportunity to work directly with law enforcement officers by assisting at community events.
'It makes me proud when I'm at work and I'm walking around and I see graduates of the Explorer program at work in our department as deputies and corrections officers and supervisors,' Filicetti said.
The sheriff said he believes other law enforcement agencies will also adopt the Explorer program model as a way to meet recruiting challenges.
'I think some (agencies) are already doing their own versions of it,' Filicetti said. 'I think it's a piece of the puzzle in terms of recruiting.