Bear Creek PD launching Explorer program

BEAR CREEK - The Bear Creek Police Department is launching a new program, partnering with the Black Warrior Council of Boy Scouts of America, to present a more positive image of law enforcement while involving youth interested in criminal justice or law enforcement careers.
The Bear Creek Police Explorer program, which is being designed for 7th-12th grade students at Phillips School, as well as adults, is designed to peak the interest of students or those who may be seeking a career in criminal justice, Police Chief Eddie Collins told Mayor Rob Taylor and town council members during their April 15, meeting.
The students and adults who would  become members of the organization, would be involved with the Bear Creek Police Department, form an honor guard, as well as participate in mock crime scenes and mock court scenarios, placing the participants in situations police face on a daily basis, Collins explained.
“I’ve had 33 kids sign up, which is amazing for a town this size,” Collins pointed out. “That’s 33 children that are in 7th through 12th grade that are interested in some type of legal (criminal justice) background.”
Letters are currently being sent out to parents of the students who have signed up, letting them know about an organizational meeting on Tuesday, May 19, at 6 p.m. at Phillips School, Collins explained.
The cost per member is $50, but Collins is looking to cover that cost with community donations.  The cost of having a charter for Bear Creek Police Explorers is $600, for which Collins is also seeking donations and community support to cover the cost.
“I want to do my best to have it where there’s no cost for the kids themselves,” Collins emphasized. “I am going to pay for every kid that wants to be in there. We will figure out how to get the money.”
Once the organization has received its charter, after the first five members have signed up, they can begin taking applications through the police department for potential members, Collins specified.
The Explorers organization will not just involve students from Phillips School, but also police officers, Collins explained.
“I have to have five adults, which will probably  be my police officers and a couple of the firemen to help participate in it,” Collins continued.
Collins, who formerly worked with an Explorer program in Parrish in Walker County, wanted to bring the program to the Bear Creek Police Department and community.
“I want to have something that is a positive contact for us and the children and positive situations where we can mentor some of these people that are interested in law enforcement,” Collins pointed out.