The Stuart Police Department’s Law Enforcement Explorer Post offers young men and women who are interested in the field of law enforcement with quality learning and lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote members’ personal growth and development. Even if they are not interested in the field of law enforcement, this program teaches leadership and life skills necessary to succeed in any field.

Stuart police officers and volunteers guide youth members in Exploring's five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience. To these ends, Explorers have unique opportunities to receive training in various policing skills, ride along with officers on patrol, assist the police department at special events and parades, provide service to their community and take leadership roles within the organization.

The Stuart Police Explorers are registered with the Learning-for-Life organization, which is governed by the Gulfstream Council of the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Learning for Life provides programs that are designed to support schools and other youth-serving organizations in their efforts toward preparing youth to successfully handle the complexities of today's society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-worth. Learning for Life also helps youth develop social and life skills, assists in character development, and helps them formulate positive personal values.

In recent years the explorer post suffered from leadership, recruitment, and training problems. The post routinely performed very poorly at explorer competitions and most times finished last, resulting in a severe morale problem. Fundraising was also minimal. As a result, post membership dropped down to three members and the post was ready to fold entirely.

In June of 2007, the police department replaced the existing advisor with a newly promoted sergeant. He implemented a new training regimen and recruiting program. He recruited other officers from around the department to help teach, and started recruiting high school athletes and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) members. Over the next year, the post grew from three members to 16 members. He also implemented a fee schedule for the use of explorers at community events to help raise money for future travel for training and competitions. Nearly a thousand dollars has been raised so far.

In June 2008, the explorers competed in the regional Law Enforcement Explorers Challenge and Competition. They competed in eight events. The Stuart Police Explorer Post 878 finished in the top three in six of the events, earning them an overall first place finish. They earned bronze medals in Assailant Control, Airsoft, and Police Bicycle; silver medals in Physical Fitness, and High Risk Traffic Stop, and earned a gold medal for routine Traffic Stop.

In August 2008, six of the kids, the advisor, and two associate advisors attended the very challenging Explorer Academy in Jupiter. It is an intensive, military style, week of physical and classroom training. No post from the Stuart Police Department had ever attended this event.

In one year, the program went from the verge of extinction to a thriving, competitive unit of proud and motivated kids. At their last awards ceremony, the department recognized the post’s advisors and all the other officers who helped turn this unit into the success it is today.