With more than 3,000 Law Enforcement Explorer posts throughout the United States operated by local, state, and national law enforcement agencies, variances in training exists. In 1983, the concept of developing a nationally standardized recognition and proficiency award program was first initiated. As the program was developed, feedback was secured from Advisors, Explorers, and law enforcement administrators.

Each proficiency area is intended to recognize experience, tenure, training, or leadership. These awards are intended to be worn on the law enforcement Explorer uniform only.

1. Law Enforcement Training

Recognizes the accumulation of 60 hours of training in the following areas:

• History of law enforcement (1 hour)
• The contemporary law enforcement role (2 hours)
• The criminal justice system (2 hours)
• Radio procedures (2 hours)
• Basic patrol procedures (3 hours)
• Report writing (4 hours)
• Criminal law (6 hours)
• Juvenile law (2 hours)
• Traffic law (2 hours)
• Procedures of investigation (6 hours)
• Human relations (4 hours)
• Crime prevention (8 hours)
• Accident investigation (4 hours)
• Crime scene investigation (4 hours)
• Fingerprinting and classification (4 hours)
• Narcotics and dangerous drugs (2 hours)
• Arrest and search (4 hours)

2. Community Service

Acknowledges 100 hours of community service, including crowd traffic control, parking service, community events, etc. Service must be preapproved and logged by the Advisor. The recognition is a blue and yellow commendation bar, No. 04019.

3. Crime Prevention

Includes the basic 8 hours of crime prevention instruction as well as an additional 8 hours of training in areas such as neighborhood watch, home security survey, and bicycle registration. The award is presented to Explorers who participate in at least three departmental crime prevention projects with a total of 25 hours of activity. The recognition is a green and gold commendation bar, No. 04020.

4. Law Enforcement Service

Includes assistance to the department in areas such as records, communications, data processing, etc. It recognizes an accumulation of 100 hours of service. The recognition is a red and gold commendation bar, No. 04021.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Certifies that the Explorer has received training in advanced first aid and CPR; has received training in how the post would assist in a disaster, such as flood, tornado, hurricane, etc.; and has participated in at least one civil defense or community-wide disaster training exercise. This is recognized by a red and white commendation bar, No. 04022.

6. Firearms Training

Includes 8 hours of firearms safety training and matches the guidelines stated in the NRA/Law Enforcement Explorer Firearms Certification Program. This recognition is the NRA Explorer Pro-Marksmanship bar (click here for more information). Note: NRA membership is not required.

7. Tenure

Awarded to those Explorers who complete one year of satisfactory service to the post. It is recognized with a red commendation bar, No. 04023.

8. Perfect Attendance

Recognizes attendance at each scheduled meeting of the post during the preceding year. The recognition is a yellow and white commendation bar, No. 04024.

9. Drug Abuse Prevention

Acknowledges proficiency in drug abuse prevention training and service. Requires 6 hours of advanced training outlined in Drug Prevention 4Teens (PDF - 1.4MB) and 50 hours of service in at least two different drug abuse prevention projects. The recognition is a blue and silver commendation bar, No. 04026.

10. National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference Bar

Presented to Explorers who attend a national Law Enforcement Explorer conference. The recognition is a dark green commendation bar, No. 04030.

11. National Law Enforcement Explorer Academy

Presented to Explorers selected to attend a National Law Enforcement Explorer Academy. The recognition is a black commendation bar, No. 04034.

12. Eagle or Gold Award Recognition

May be worn by an Explorer who has achieved the Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. highest award and honor (the BSA Eagle or GSUSA Gold). The recognition is a red, white, and blue commendation bar, No. 04036.

13. Explorer of the Year

Each post will be encouraged to recognize one Explorer each year. This Explorer should be selected on the basis of dependability, attitude, attendance, and contributions to the post, department, and community. Explorers of the Year are obviously recognized for their outstanding performances and personal attributes. The recognition is a blue bar with a gold "E," No. 04025.