The Mauldin Police Department Explorers is a non-sworn volunteer group organized by the Chief of Police and supported by the Boy Scouts of America. Explorers are not commissioned Law Enforcement Officers and have no authority to make arrests or to perform law enforcement-related duties, except when under the direct supervision and direction of a sworn police officer.
During weekly meetings, Explorers train using various methods, including scenario-based training. The scenarios range from simple interaction with the public to felony traffic stops.
Explorers use the Texas Instruments firearm training simulator (FATS) as a way to learn firearm safety, improve shooting skills and further advance critical thinking in use of force scenarios.
The Mauldin Police Department Explorers is led by a team of dedicated advisors:
These Advisors develop the weekly training schedule, teach the Explorers federal and state laws and how they are applied, and instruct them on how to safely negotiate their way through law enforcement-based scenarios based on what they have learned in their training. The Advisors also establish a mentor-style role in the Explorers’ lives, and are able to guide them and impart leadership and self-reliance.
The Explorer Post assists officers with various events throughout the year, including but not limited to:
The Explorers participate in community events by directing traffic, serving food and drinks, supervising bounce houses for National Night Out, assisting with leading physical training and teaching marching to youth academy. During these events, they also take the opportunity to interact with the public about the Explorers and recruit potential new Cadets.
2018 Winterfest, Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown Trouble
2024 Winterfest, Gatlinburg, TN
DUI Traffic Stop
2024 Winterfest, Gatlinburg, TN
Cell Search
Winterfest is a yearly competition held in Gatlinburg, TN, where Explorer Posts from all over the Eastern US compete against each other. Each Post is assigned various law enforcement scenarios they must negotiate successfully, while being evaluated on things such as: officer safety, arrest technique, handcuffing, searching, correct charges, victim services, medical aid and scene control, to name a few. This allows each Post to see how they stack up against other Posts. In 2024, there were 43 Law Enforcement Posts.
Explorers meet every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom at Mauldin City Hall.
Interested in joining? All participants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
For more information or to join the Explorers, contact Cpl. Misti Ross at mross@mauldinpolice.com or Sgt. Harley Sefcik at hsefcik@mauldinpolice.com.
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