Junior Explorers

The Chaska Police Junior Explorers (CPJE) is a program that uses public safety education to motivate young people to be outstanding citizens. A key component to community policing, CPJE transforms the role of the police officer into one of mentor and friend, while encouraging our young citizens to be partners in building safer schools and community. The more young people understand the components of police safety, the more they become an active participant in identifying solutions.

In the Junior Explorers, young people will be given the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a police officer, which should foster a better understanding of law enforcement’s role in the community. Many young people do not understand what police officers do and why they do it. We take the mystery out of law enforcement procedures and policies. Young people’s attitudes toward the police and their role in society are transformed.

Weekly discussion topics will touch on police issues and youth-focused issues, like bullying, internet use, cell phone safety, peer pressure, and making good choices a habit.  

Junior Explorer Objectives

• Teach techniques to deal with school and life pressure(s) in a positive way
• Create dialogue and build relationships between youth and police officers
• Set expectations for participants to be role models in the community as they continue into adulthood
• Answer the "WHY" behind law enforcement policies and responses in certain situations

The start date for the next session is to be determined.