Since 1968, the Fort Lauderdale Police Law Enforcement of Tomorrow (LET) organization has been used by several hundred young high school and college students as a stepping stone into the career field of law enforcement.The police explorer post #2022, commonly known as the Law Enforcement of Tomorrow program, currently has approximately 15 members in it. The LETs are recognized and associated with the Boy Scouts of America program and pay yearly dues to BSA.
Over the past 28 years, the program has seen hundreds of young men and women in school come through the program. Some have stayed for several years learning as much as possible to better themselves both inside and outside the law enforcement field.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has had many of its officers start their careers as LETs. A recently retired Major, Captain and several Sergeants are among the many that have started in law enforcement as LETs. The department has approximately 40 officers and detectives currently working whom over the past 20 years were LETs.
The LET program allows the explorer to ride along with most of the police department's officers assigned to patrol. At times, the LETs have also assisted the specialized units within the department such as SWAT, K-9, Aviation, Training, Detective Bureau and the Communications Center. All of the LETs are required to learn the Communications Center and do monthly mandatory training time there, so they can learn the proper usage of the police radio, the police call signs and the manner in which the public contacts the police for the service call requests. Several of the newer LETs have recently been hired as Dispatchers and within 2 years at least 3 are now certified police officers with this agency.
The LETs also do much community work. They work many details as security and traffic post directors for many of the cities 5 and 10K runs. They have worked numerous charitable events such as Great Strides for Cancer Walk, The Promenade, The Heart Run, The Police Memorial Run, The Boy Scout Jamboree, The Saint Patrick's Day Parade and others.
The LETs are encouraged to work, ride and learn, but not at the expense of ignoring their families, schoolwork and responsibilities. There are certain standards that must be kept in order to remain in the program. (Listed on the attached sheet). If you're interested in checking out the profession and career of Law Enforcement and are between the ages of 16- 21, then you might be a candidate for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Explorer Post. Contact Sgt. Steve Lerman at 954-828-5641 (7am-3pm) for more information.
