Youths with an interest in someday having a job in law enforcement can learn more about starting the journey at an event today in Wheeling.

The Wheeling Police Department will host an open house for its new Police Explorer Program from 6:30-8:30 p.m. today inside the main lobby of WesBanco Arena to give local youths the opportunity to learn about the new program and sign up.

The Police Explorer Program is a volunteer program designed to give insight into law enforcements careers for young men and women ages 14-20 through hands-on activities. The focus is on personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.

The Police Explorer Program is one of 16 explorer programs offered through the Boy Scouts of America.

Wheeling police officers will work with the youths and provide training and supervision. The program will only accept 15 students, and is expected to launch in January.

To be eligible, the youths must maintain a grade point average of a 2.0 for all courses taken in school, and those enrolled in college must complete at least six credit hours per semester.

Those accepted will go through a training program based on what they would incur at an actual police training academy, according to Wheeling Police Sgt. Josh Sanders. They will be issued uniforms, and will be required to do at least one four-hour ride along with an officer each month.

“There’s a lot of training — some self defense training and learning of police skills,” Sanders said. “But at no time will they have police powers, and at no time will they be put in a position of in danger.”

The police explorers will learn how to shoot a pistol by using a firearms simulator, Sanders said. They will not be given live ammunition or range training.

“They will learn the ins and outs of organizations,” he said. “It will be a lot like actual police training in that there will be physical training, and education in discipline, seniority and that respect flows upward. They learn where they will fall in the organization.”

Those wanting more information on the program should contact Sanders at 304-234-6434, or jsanders@wheelingwv.gov.