The Demopolis Police Department is accepting applications for the DPD Explorer Post, a youth-oriented program.

The Law Enforcement Explorer Post is active in police agencies throughout the nation, and it allows young men and women to determine if they want to pursue a career in law enforcement as adults by offering them experience and training.

In addition, the program provides the police department with more human resource opportunities and opens an important avenue for understanding today’s youth.

Lt. Rex Flowers with the Demopolis Police Department said a lot of the people that participate in the program go on to have a career in law enforcement.

“I was in the program, and so was another officer here, Paul Foster,” Flowers said. “The program teaches the ins and outs of the job, and they can ride along with officers after they’re certified with the program.”

He added that people that join the program stay in it until they’re 20 years old.

“It’s for people ages 14 to 20, and they stay in it,” Flowers said. “It’s like the Boy Scouts in that regard.”

There is a $20 membership and insurance fee to be a part of the program.

Flowers said he feels like the program is good for anyone who’s interested in law enforcement.

“It helps young people mature and teaches them to become responsible adults,” he said.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

•Maintain at least a “C” average in school

•Be between the ages of 14 and 20

•Be of good moral character

•Have no serious arrest record

•Be in good physical condition

To find out more about the program, contact Flowers or Officer William Gulley at the Demopolis Police Department at (334) 289-3073.