Wheeling Police will hold a recruitment and open house event next week for its Police Explorer Program at the department’s soon-to-be new headquarters in Center Wheeling.

The event is set for 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 20 at 2115 Chapline Street. The event will give local students the opportunity to learn about the program, the law enforcement profession and see the department’s new headquarters.

Wheeling PD’s Explorer Post No. 1 was created in 2019 to familiarize and prepare youths for a career in law enforcement. Wheeling police officers will work with these young professionals to make sure they are properly trained and supervised.

Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 21, have completed the 8^th grade and have maintained a grade point average of a 2.0 for all courses taken in school. Those enrolled in college must complete at least six credit hours per semester.

Representatives with the Ohio River Valley Council - Boy Scouts of America will be on hand to answer partnership questions. The program will only accept 15 students and is expected to begin explorer training in August.

For more information on the program, contact Lt. Josh Sanders at 304-234-6434.