The City of White House is investing in its future by giving local teens a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of law enforcement officers through the White House Police Explorers Program. Relaunched earlier this year under the leadership of Corporal Dillon Loafman, the program blends hands-on training, mentorship, and community engagement—offering young people the chance to see what public service is all about.

Corporal Loafman, the department’s 2023 Officer of the Year, knows firsthand how powerful the program can be. “I was a part of the White House Police Department’s Explorer Program from 2015 to about 2017,” he shared. “I graduated high school, got my bachelor’s in criminal justice, and then I was hired on at White House—the same department I started at. It really set me on the path I’m on today.”

The Explorers Program began years ago when current City Administrator Jerry Herman, then the chief of police, introduced the idea after seeing its success in Ohio. Officially partnered with the Scouts of America, the program is open to students ages 14–20.

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“The goal is to get younger kids thinking about law enforcement—or at least open to the idea of it,” explained Corporal Loafman. “It’s not about recruiting, but about giving them a window into what we do, showing them what the profession looks like, and helping them decide if it’s for them.”

Currently, nine students are part of the program. The group meets once a month (with plans to expand to twice monthly in 2026) and dives into real-world scenarios. Sessions combine classroom instruction with hands-on training, including fingerprinting lessons with detectives, traffic-stop simulations, and domestic-violence response roleplays.

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“We don’t just tell them about it, we let them do it,” Loafman said. “That way, they understand both the responsibility and the problem-solving skills that go into each situation.”

Participants may also take part in ride-alongs once they are ready, giving them a safe opportunity to observe routine calls. “We try our best to keep them out of harm’s way,” Loafman explained. “But we want them to see traffic stops, meet the public, and understand what the job really looks like.”

The program’s impact extends far beyond law enforcement careers. Many alumni have gone on to military service or other professions, carrying with them the discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills they gained as Explorers. Students also strengthen community ties by helping at local events, assisting with traffic control, and representing the department at school visits.

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“It gives our young people a sense of ownership and belonging,” Loafman noted. “They’re not just watching from the sidelines—they’re part of what’s happening in White House.”

While the program is centered on local students, it remains welcoming to those just outside the city. “If someone from right on the outskirts, like Cottontown, wants to join, we’re not going to turn them away,” said Loafman.

For him, the journey has come full circle—from a curious teen in the program to a decorated officer now leading it. “I knew from a young age this was something I wanted to do,” he reflected. “Now I get to stand on the other side, showing these kids what’s possible.”

Looking ahead, the department hopes to take its Explorers to Winterfest in Gatlinburg in 2027, a regional competition where teams put their skills to the test. Until then, the rewards are found in the energy and determination of the students themselves.

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“Seeing these kids problem-solve, take scenarios seriously, and step into those roles—it gives me hope,” Loafman said. “The Explorers Program is about much more than law enforcement. It’s about giving kids a chance to learn and to grow into leaders for our community.”

To apply click this link, or to learn more, visit WHPD's website.