This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
During the week of July 8-13, the Longmont Police Explorers attended the annual LEEPAAC (Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor Association of Colorado) conference. The conference was held at Western State University in Gunnison, Colorado.
The LEEPAAC conference hosts over 180 Police Explorers from all over Colorado and surrounding states.
The scenario-based training and competitions test these young Explorers on law enforcement concepts and practices.
To challenge the participants, the Explorers are divided into teams consisting of individuals from other police departments. Teams are expected to spend one day training together before competing in events such as Hostage Negotiations, Crime Scene Investigation, Domestic Violence, Cell Search, and High-risk Entry.
Explorers are also able to compete in individual events such as pedestrian contacts, traffic stops, and an obstacle course.
The Longmont Police Explorers took 4th and 5th places in the Domestic Violence division and 4th place in the High-risk Entry division.
LEEPAAC supports the future of these Explorers by offering $7,500 in academic scholarships. Three of Longmont's Explorers received such scholarships:
- Alan Molina $500
- Nick Brown $1,000
- Gladis Perez-Hernandez $2,000
"We believe these youth have a bright future, and we are fortunate to have them in our Explorer Program and our community," states Deputy Chief of Police Services, Jeff Satur.
