The purpose of this communication is to advise Law Enforcement Explorer posts and participating organizations of Law Enforcement Explorer posts of the policy regarding Explorers in covert operations.

In the past several years, a number of news stories have reported that members of Law Enforcement Explorer posts have been utilized in operations concerning the enforcement of local or state statutes regarding the purchasing of alcoholic beverages or other commonly abused substances (specifically glue and paint thinner), or pornographic literature and materials.

After researching these instances, it was found that in two cases the Explorer Advisor was approached by the investigating agency on the basis that the operation was to be a post project. The remaining situations involved a number of youth, which included Explorers but not solely Explorers, nor was it perceived to be a post project.

Following is the policy adopted by the National Law Enforcement Exploring Committee (composed of chiefs of police, sheriffs, and federal directors):

Clarification:

1. It is recognized that law enforcement agencies have utilized youthful undercover persons to attack the problems of crime in different areas.
2. A law enforcement agency conducting an undercover activity may choose to seek the voluntary support of Explorers as citizens, but not as Explorers. To do so is within its powers for enforcing local or state statutes.
3. To influence in a positive way what would be correct procedure for youth activities, a series of guidelines pursuant to Law Enforcement Exploring has been developed. In cases of noncompliance, Learning for Life may revoke participation.
4. The program specifically prohibits the use of Explorers in dangerous or undercover activities and through guidelines recommends against such activities, especially where peer relationships within the school or neighborhood setting have long-term negative implications.
5. Another point of consideration has been the strong and nearly unanimous voice of Law Enforcement Exploring Advisors, who do not want to see their posts and post members utilized for covert activities. These individuals themselves will probably serve as the best overall check and balance on avoidance of problems in this area.

Based upon the aforementioned, the following guidelines are recommended by the National Law Enforcement Exploring Committee:

1. The National Law Enforcement Exploring Committee prohibits the use of Explorers to perform covert acts or acts that might undermine the role of Law Enforcement Exploring in the community or place Explorers in harm's way.
2. Any agency electing to utilize Explorers as private citizens in covert operations should do so with the clear understanding that their unit of government is solely responsible for any civil damages and legal or medical complications that might arise from such an activity.
3. Law enforcement agencies participating in the Law Enforcement Exploring program should develop explicit guidelines and standard operating procedures concerning all activities in which their Explorers are involved and those from which they should be prohibited.