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The Ocala Police Department is giving younger members of the community an opportunity to experience what it is like to work in law enforcement.

The OPD Explorers program, which is led by Officer Gurney, is designed for young people between the ages of 14 and 20 who are interested in the field of criminal justice. Each Explorer gets to participate in a wide range of activities, including self-defense, patrol procedures, traffic stops, and more.

Ocala Police Department explorers program participants
The Explorers program is open to local youth between the ages of 14 and 20 (Photo courtesy of the Ocala Police Department)

During a recent session, Explorers received hands-on TASER training at OPD headquarters. Officer Colon provided safety instructions and explained how the TASER incapacitates an attacker by short-circuiting their central nervous system.

Ocala Police Department Explorers program - TASER instruction
Participants receiving TASER training (Photo courtesy of the Ocala Police Department)

The Explorers then took turns shooting the TASER at a dummy target. According to OPD, each participant had 100% accuracy.

Ocala Police Department Explorers program - participant shoots TASER during class
An Explorer shoots a TASER at a dummy target (Photo courtesy of the Ocala Police Department)
Ocala Police Department Explorers program - dummy target used
This dummy target was used in the training class (Photo courtesy of the Ocala Police Department)

Explorers get the opportunity to interact regularly with police officers in a regimented environment, and the program encourages leadership, teamwork, and responsibility.

For more information on the program, please contact Officer Gurney via email at: jgurney@ocalapd.gov.