Welcome to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Explorers!

I’m glad you’re here and taking the time to learn more about our program.

The Explorer Program is an opportunity for young people who have an interest in law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, or serving their community to gain real-world experience in a positive, professional, and supportive environment.

For me, this program is much more than just a program—it is something I have personally experienced. I was once a Law Enforcement Explorer myself, and many of the experiences I had as an Explorer helped shape the person and professional I am today.

Some of my favorite memories came from the time I spent with other Explorers at competitions, participating in ride-alongs, training together, and working community events such as the fair. Those experiences gave me the opportunity to learn about law enforcement firsthand while also building friendships and relationships that have lasted well beyond my time as an Explorer.

Those experiences are a major reason I chose to become an Explorer Advisor.

Today, I have the opportunity to help provide the same type of experience to the next generation of Explorers. My goal is not simply to teach you about law enforcement. I want to help you develop as a person, discover your strengths, build confidence, and prepare for whatever path you choose in life.

Our Explorers participate in hands-on training, classroom instruction, competitions, ride-alongs, community events, tours, demonstrations, and a variety of other activities throughout the year. These experiences allow members to see what law enforcement is really like while developing valuable skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, responsibility, and professionalism.

Some of the memories you make here may come from a competition. Others may come from a long day working an event, a ride-along where you see something you never expected, or simply spending time with the people standing beside you. You may not realize it at the time, but those experiences can become some of the most meaningful memories of your young adulthood.

While the Explorer Program can help prepare you for a career in law enforcement, you do not have to become a law enforcement officer to benefit from being an Explorer. The skills, relationships, confidence, and professionalism you develop here can follow you into college, the military, the workforce, or whatever career you ultimately choose.

Since our program was founded in 2022, we have had the privilege of watching our members grow from young people just beginning to explore their interests into confident young adults taking on leadership roles and pursuing careers, military service, college, and other opportunities.

One of the most rewarding parts of being an Advisor is watching that transformation happen.

It Takes a Team

A successful Explorer Program does not happen because of one person. I could not do this alone.

I am incredibly thankful for the other Advisors who give their time, experience, and energy to help guide our Explorers. From helping with training and events to mentoring members and being there when they need someone to turn to, their contributions are an important part of what makes this program successful.

I am also grateful for the command staff and members of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office who support the Explorer Program and recognize the value these young people bring to our community. Their willingness to open doors, share their knowledge, provide opportunities, and support our program allows our Explorers to experience things that would not otherwise be possible.

The success of this program is truly a team effort. 

Looking Ahead

My hope is that when you eventually look back on your time as an Explorer, you remember more than the uniforms, training, and events. I hope you remember the people you met, the friendships you made, the challenges you overcame, the lessons you learned, and the experiences that helped shape who you became.

The Explorer Program gave me lifelong memories, professional development, and friendships that I still value today. It is an honor to now have the opportunity to help create those same experiences for others.

If you are willing to learn, work hard, accept responsibility, challenge yourself, and be part of a team, we would love to have you consider joining us.

Take a look around our website to learn more about the program, our requirements, activities, and how to become an Explorer.

Your journey could start here—and you never know where it might take you.

Respectfully,

Michael Hingiss
Explorer Advisor
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Explorers