Little Elm --  In the same way police cadets undergo rigorous training with realistic scenarios at academies throughout the US, the Texas Law Enforcement Explorer Advisory Association (TLEEAA) stages similar situational confrontations, placing Explorer Posts in competition with each other during their regional and area competition, says Little Elm Police Officer Sean Kinney, one of the local Post’s advisors.

“The competition scenarios are as true to life as possible,” he said. “They’re developed and overseen by police officers. During the competitions, the Explorers are expected to make quick, thoughtful decisions in the same amount of time that police officers face daily.”

The Little Elm Explorer Post competed for the first time this spring at the “Battle at Big D” event, put on by the Dallas Police Department. The event was held at Fair Park in Dallas and drew 24 Explorer teams from throughout Texas.

Little Elm Chief of Police Waylan Rhodes (right) holds the second place trophy in “Robbery in Progress” won by the Little Elm Law Enforcement Explorer Post at the “Battle in Big D” competition this spring. Team members included (left to right) Jacob Prahl, Nathan Schmenk, Dylan McFarland and Kyle Meyer. Explorer Post Advisor Officer Sean Kinney (white shirt) and School Resource Officer Eric Olson were also present at the Town Council meeting where the team was recognized for their achievement. The Dallas competition represented the first time the Post participated in these skill-testing contests.

For their initial competition, the Little Elm Post mobilized a team composed of Explorer Corporal Kyle Meyer and Explorers Dylan McFarland, Jacob Prahl and Nathan Schmenk.

Each of the 24 teams competed in scenarios representing Robbery in Progress; Burglary in Progress; Felony Traffic Stop; and Arrest Search and Seizure. The judging was handled by highly experienced police officers from throughout the Dallas area and beyond.

“The other teams were extremely well-prepared,” said Kinney. “It was evident that their training was close to academy-level. The competition was immensely high. To win at this level takes practice and dedication, both by the trainers and the Explorers.”

For their very first competition, the Little Elm team did exceedingly well, taking second place in the Robbery in Progress scenario.

“I am incredibly proud of these young men,” said Kinney. “Their poise under pressure, their attention to every detail, their team discipline, their unparalleled teamwork and their professionalism were all in evidence throughout the competition. And, even though we walked away with second place, I still consider it a win.”

Each scenario was timed and each team handled the call as though they were the responding officers. Each of the scenarios was hosted and judged by a different law enforcement agency.

“The pride that we feel for these individuals and their support team of adults and officers who devote their time to train them is incalculable,” he said.

The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is open to young men and women 14 to 20 years of age who have an interest in law enforcement. More information on the Little Elm program can be obtained by searching for “Explorers” at www.littleelm.org or by contacting Officer Kinney at (214) 975-0463, Ext. 328 or via e-mail at sean.kinney@littleelm.org.

ABOUT LITTLE ELM – Little Elm is one of the state’s fastest growing communities. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lewisville, the Town was incorporated in 1966, adopting the Council/Manager form of government. The population increased dramatically over the last several years, growing from under 4,000 in 2000 to over 30,000 today. Little Elm’s population exceeds the state average in education and income, and is increasingly trending younger and technologically proficient. The Town’s footprint is just over 14 square miles and boasts some 66 linear miles of shoreline within its boundaries.
LITTLE ELM EXPLORER POST WINS REGIONAL AWARD