Trotwood Police Explorer program presents youth cadet activities, Sinclair scholarship pathway

Officer Tyrone Derrick presented the Trotwood Police Explorer program to the board and introduced cadets at the work session, describing the program's goals, structure and funding.

Derrick said the program helps young people explore law-enforcement careers by offering training and practical experiences. "The program 'helps young people explore a career in law enforcement," he said, summarizing goals that include civic leadership, community service and career preparation. He said participants must be 14 to 20 years old, be enrolled in school, meet a minimum 2.0 GPA, and pass a background check; those under 17 must have parental permission.

Derrick said the group currently has nine cadets (two captains, one sergeant and six cadets present or on the roster), and that captains lead weekly planning. The program funds uniforms, registration fees and activities from concession revenue so parents and the district are not billed for those items. He described an emerging partnership with Sinclair Community College that could provide scholarships for cadets who complete the explorer program to pursue an associate degree or law-enforcement academy training.

Board members praised the program and invited the explorers to a future session. The presentation was informational; no action was requested.