BAY MINETTE — Following several successful Youth Police Academy sessions, the Bay Minette Police Department has decided to add a new program aimed at area youth - the Law Enforcement Explorers program.

An inaugural meeting will be Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

"The youth academy is conducted every Saturday in August. This will be year-round," Chief Michael Rowland said.

He said the program will offer youth 14 to 20 the opportunity to see more in-depth the workings of the police department and explore the many law enforcement career opportunities available.

According to the Exploring Web site, learningforlife.org, explorers will learn about the field through training and practical, hands-on activities coordinated by local law enforcement representatives.

"Many departments use Law Enforcement Explorers to assist in such areas as crime prevention, traffic and crowd control, record keeping and telecommunications," the site states.

The Explorer program emphasizes career opportunities, citizenship, life skills, leadership experience and character education, the site states.

For more information call the police department at (251) 580-2559.