The Milwaukee Police Department Explorer Program dates back to the year 1960, when Post #204 was founded.  All posts were initially run under the auspices of the Police Auxiliaries at District #6 until the Youth Aid Bureau started Post #428, in 1971.  The posts were run via civilian help under Captain Carl Ham and Milton Engbring.

The year 1986 saw the start-up of our modern day Explorer Posts, which was a cooperative effort between the Milwaukee Police Department and the American Legion.  It was started by Officers Robert Farkas and Wayne Jensen.  Post #749 was initially chartered with a membership of 38 Explorer Scouts and has proceeded into today's world with an on-going membership of Explorers.  Today's program sees posts at 7 different locations within the department.  Explorer Posts are numbered in an 800 series that range from 880 to 888, with a membership of over 140. 

The Explorer program has an operational chain of command which includes a Program Director, Administrative Coordinator, Field Coordinator, and 12 Advisors.  The officers who volunteer as advisors represent a diversified cross section of MPD.  

The Explorers are a branch of the Boy Scouts of America, and as such, are coordinated in part as a coeducational unit.  Law Enforcement Explorers are "EXPLORING" a career in law enforcement.  This program is community based.  It reaches out to youth in all parts of the city.  It is certainly in the mainstream of community policing as it exists today.    

The goal of this program is to provide creative interaction and positive impact in areas that depict law enforcement as a career.  The Explorer program has a value not only for the police officer, but more importantly for the youth in the community that we serve.  Strong effective adult leadership sets the tone for positive police imaging among youth and their peers.  Police role models help bridge the gap that exists today between youth and the police.  

The Explorer program in short, helps build understanding, provides positive role models and helps develop young people interested in law enforcement careers.  The Explorers are by no means all work and no play.  Exploring through B.S.A. and MPD also offer recreational events and social gatherings.  Explorer Posts currently meet 1 or 2 days a month with at least one special event planned.

* This information was obtained from the Milwaukee Police Department Law Enforcement Explorer  Brochure