Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr., is looking for teenagers and young adults who would like to serve the community and gain valuable experience for a career in law enforcement.

“Young people need a way to discover their talents and understand the importance of helping others.  The Explorer Program provides opportunities for both.  I’m calling on teenagers and young adults across Shelby County to consider being part of our Explorer Program,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Explorers help the Sheriff’s Office in many ways.  They assist with duties in various divisions of the department, especially community outreach activities.  Explorers receive “hands-on” training which prepares them for careers as Sheriff’s Deputies, Deputy Jailers or other types of law enforcement occupations.

An introductory physical fitness assessment will be held on March 24, 2007, at 8:00 a.m., at the Sheriff’s Office Training Academy at 993 Dovecrest.  The test will familiarize students with aspects of the physical agility standards used in training programs for Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Jailer positions.  The students’ physical agility scores will not affect their membership in the program.  Following the agility test, students will be given an orientation about the Sheriff’s Explorer Post.

Here are the qualifications for membership:

• Be between 14 and 20 years of age
• Have parental approval (below the age of 18)
• Pass a criminal history background check
• Pass a physical assessment
• Maintain a 2.0 grade point average in every school subject
• To join: One-time application fee of $10.00--yearly dues of $7.00

For more information about the Explorer Program, contact Deputy Amber Roettgen at (901) 387-5923.