SCANDAL: Police Explorer Programs

Law enforcement Explorer programs were created to mentor teens interested in policing. But decades of weak oversight created an environment where officers could manipulate that trust. Some exploited their roles, using their authority to groom, abuse, and silence the very teens they were entrusted to guide. Resources: RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network : 24/7 hotline and resources for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) : Research, education, and tools to support prevention and survivor recovery. Visit nsvrc.org Joyful Heart Foundation : Works to transform the response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, while supporting healing and survivor advocacy. Visit joyfulheartfoundation.org Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline : Confidential support for anyone concerned about child abuse. Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelphotline.org VictimConnect Resource Center : Provides free, confidential support and referrals for people affected by crime, including sexual abuse and misconduct by authority figures. Call 1-855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) or visit victimconnect.org National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) : Expert guidance, therapist locators, and educational tools for families navigating trauma and abuse. Visit nctsn.org Bloom365 : Youth-focused organization working to end teen dating abuse, sexual violence, and trauma through prevention, peer advocacy, and healing services. Call or text the Bloom helpline at 1-888-606-HOPE (4673) or visit bloom365.org CDC – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention : Evidence-based strategies and data about child sexual abuse in the U.S. Visit  cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childsexualabuse State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers : Directory to report child abuse to agencies. Visit  childwelfare.gov/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline : Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources. Call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org Crisis Text Line : 24/7 mental health support via text. Text "HOME" to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org National Domestic Violence Hotline : Support for those experiencing abuse or coercive control. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788, or visit thehotline.org Love is Respect : Help for teens and young adults in abusive relationships. Call 1-866-331-9474, text "LOVEIS" to 22522, or visit loveisrespect.org National Center for Victims of Crime : Provides advocacy, legal information, and trauma-informed resources for survivors of sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation. Visit victimsofcrime.org Male Survivor : Support for male survivors of sexual abuse and assault, including institutional or authority-based abuse. Visit malesurvivor.org Staying Safe in Youth Law Enforcement Programs: If you or your child is involved in a Police Explorer program – or any youth mentorship run by law enforcement – there are steps you can take to reduce risk and create safer boundaries. Ask direct questions . Who runs the program? What are the policies around texting, ride-alongs, and one-on-one interactions? Are there rules that limit contact between adult officers and minors outside of scheduled events? Insist on transparency . Reputable programs should have clear, written guidelines about communication, supervision, and conduct. Ask to see them. Monitor ride-alongs . Know who your child is riding with, how long they're gone, and what the reporting procedures are. Watch the tech . Officers or advisors should never be Snapchatting, DMing, or texting minors privately. Monitor app usage and discuss healthy boundaries. Get involved . Show up to meetings. Get to know the adults running the program. Your presence as a parent or guardian helps make the space safer for everyone. Keep communication open . Let your child know they can talk to you about anythin