CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program Overview

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Law Enforcement Explorer Program is a volunteer program designed for young men and women to receive experience in and exposure to law enforcement careers within CBP. The program is chartered through Learning for Life (LFL), which is a subsidiary of the Scouts of America, and serves as an educational and career development resource with CBP as the sponsoring agency. The Program provides applicants the option to participate in either the United States Border Patrol (USBP) Explorer Program or the CBP Officer (CBPO) Explorer Program. CBP builds and sustains Explorer Posts by geographic area with posts at various locations throughout the country, including Puerto Rico and Hawaii. CBP routinely acknowledges the achievements of the Explorers through participation in the bi-annual National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference, regional events, and academies.

Training

Explorers will benefit from a unique view of CBP law enforcement and participate in leadership opportunities, training and demonstrations, drills and ceremonies, physical fitness, marksmanship and community outreach.

If you have any questions about the CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program, please contact your local Post Advisor. We look forward to having you on our team.

U.S. Border Patrol Law Enforcement Explorer Life Jacket Project

Captions: CBP Explorer Life Jacket Project

The Explorer Experience

About the CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program

Q. What is the CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program?

A. It is a volunteer program for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement careers. If you do not meet the age requirement, please visit CBP’s Careers page for more career opportunities. CBP, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, is one of our Nation’s largest law enforcement agencies charged with protecting our country and our borders.

Q. What will I do as an Explorer?

A. As a member of a CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Post, you will participate in real-life law enforcement scenarios, receive defensive skills training, learn drill techniques and ceremonial procedures and participate in community outreach programs. You may also have an opportunity to attend law enforcement competitions, conferences and leadership academies. In general, Explorers spend a minimum of 10 hours (often more) each month in the program.

Q. Will I have the opportunity to learn first-hand from CBP law enforcement officials?

A. Definitely. Much of an Explorer’s time is spent with CBP agents and officers in the real world of law enforcement. For example, at a desert land border, you may observe Border Patrol Agents interpreting and following tracks to determine potential illegal alien and smuggler traffic; at an international airport, you may see CBP Officers safeguarding America’s borders, protecting the public from dangerous people and materials, and enhancing the nation’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel; and you may have opportunities to observe CBP’s Air and Marine Operations utilizing high-tech equipment protecting our country by air and sea.

Q. How long does the program last?

A. You may participate in the program as long you remain enrolled in school and maintain the GPA requirement. Participation in the program is contingent upon both your availability and the program schedule of the post to which you are assigned. Posts typically meet twice a week, e.g., one weekday evening and a weekend day, throughout the year. No overnight accommodations are provided during your participation in the program. The hours and days, and whether you can participate only during the summer, etc., may be discussed with a post advisor. CBP encourages students to place an emphasis on their education first, i.e., their participation should not conflict with meeting their diploma/degree requirements.

Q. How much does it cost to participate?

A. The fee is approximately $25 a year plus the cost of some uniform items. That can vary depending on the post you are assigned to. Annual fees typically do not exceed $50 to cover LFL registration and some post items. Fee may vary depending on the post you are assigned to. Trips and special events are additional.

Q. How do I apply?

A. Before you apply, you must first initiate contact with an advisor from a local post. Complete the CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program Initial Contact Form. Once we receive it, an Explorer Advisor will contact you directly.

Q. Where are the Explorer posts located?

A. Please be advised that CBP doesn't host explorer posts in every location where there is a CBP presence, e.g., at every national airport, border station and that posts may be added or closed at any given time throughout the year.

Q. What happens next?

1. A local contact (or advisor), who is typically a Border Patrol Agent or CBP Officer, will send you an e-mail to inform you of the post’s recruitment status—when their next recruitment meeting will be held.
2. At the recruitment meeting, or open house, an Agent or Officer will brief you [and your parent(s) if you are under 18 years of age] on the mission of the agency and provide details regarding the Explorer program. This allows you an opportunity to ask questions prior to your final decision to participate in the program.
3. You must complete an application package (e.g., medical and consent forms) and submit it for consideration.
4. An advisor will follow up with you to schedule an interview.
5. You will then be notified as to whether you were selected to participate in the program.

SELECTIONS ARE BASED ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS, WHICH WILL INCLUDE A BACKGROUND CHECK.

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U.S. Border Patrol Explorer Program Locations

 

CBP Officer Explorer Program Locations

 

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Be an Explorer

Questions about the CBP Law Enforcement Explorer Program?

For questions or information regarding the Office of Field Operations (OFO) Explorer Program (CBP Officer), please send an email
to: ofohqexplorer@cbp.dhs.gov.

For questions or information regarding the U.S. Border Patrol Explorer Program (Border Patrol Agent), please send an email to:
usbpexplorerprogram@cbp.dhs.gov.

We will then direct you to the Explorer Advisor closest to your location.

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