A law enforcement youth program created by the Boy Scouts of America has been the subject of nearly 200 complaints of grooming, sexual abuse, and inappropriate behavior by officers since 1974, an ongoing investigation by The Marshall Project found. There are hundreds of chapters of law enforcement Explorer posts, which were created decades ago and are designed to help teens and young adults learn about policing. But lack of oversight — including allowing armed officers to be alone with teens, and dismissing concerns of troubling behavior — has in some instances lead to abuse. The investigation found that slightly more than half the cases of abuse occurred since 2020. They occurred in departments spanning much of the country, and in big and small departments alike.
Anthony DeMarco, a lawyer who has represented several former Explorers who accused officers of abuse, said the power imbalance between officers and Explorers can leave teenagers vulnerable. “One of the greatest injuries that the Explorers I've worked for have talked about is they dreamed of being in law enforcement,” he said. “And because they were abused, and because in some ways it became known, it felt like it got ripped from them.” In a statement, the organization said it is committed to safeguarding youth, including Explorers. “When we are made aware that a leader in one of our programs has abused a position of trust we will take appropriate measures, including removing that leader, and work to ensure that offenders are held accountable.”