The La Crosse Police Explorer Post provides high school students with the opportunity for hands-on career exploration and real life experiences in the field of their choice - law enforcement. Police Explorers attend bi-weekly meetings and gain practical experience in patrol procedures, first aid, Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT), report writing, crime prevention techniques, and much more. The La Crosse Post is part of the nationwide Exploring Program.

Besides the bi-weekly training, Explorers have the opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Police Explorer Academy or the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Conference. They may also enter into competitions where the Explorers demonstrate their ability to apply the skills they've learned in practical scenarios.

For the 2022-23 school year, we had 14 high school students in the La Crosse Police Explorer Post #3201. These students had to complete a detailed application and interview with members of the Explorer Post Board in order to be accepted as a member. They represented all three La Crosse High Schools - Central, Logan, and Aquinas - as well as area schools in Onalaska, Holmen, and West Salem. The students ranged from freshman to senior.

The launch of the La Crosse Police Explorer Post #3201 was a coordinated effort by the La Crosse Police Department, Learning for Life, and La Crosse Gateway Area Exploring, as well as area high school administration. Uniforms and equipment were provided by generous business and community donations.

Post #3201 is led by advisor Officer Jovanna Nedland. Also assisting with the program are Lieutenant Jon Wenger, Sergeant Cody Plenge, Investigator Andy Rosenow, and Officers Arick Siegmann, Tanner Oleson, Chad Maske, Andrew Jarrett, and Alexandra Beardmore. We'd like to thank the members of Explorer Post #3201 for their commitment to Exploring, the La Crosse Police Department, and our greater community!

For questions about the La Crosse Police Explorer Post, contact your high school guidance counselor, School Resource Officer, or email La Crosse Police Officer Jovanna Nedland at this address:

• nedlandj@cityoflacrosse.org

For more information or upcoming dates, visit this website:

• Explorer Post 3201