Benjamin Jimenez, hailing from Chicago Heights, once considered himself somewhat of a wayward youth. However, he managed to avoid trouble during those early years. “I was a lot less respectable and a little mean,” admitted Jimenez. He described himself as an angsty high school young man.

Jimenez’s journey took a positive turn after graduating from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights. He now serves as the commander of Law Enforcement Explorer Post #102, an organization he has been part of for three years. His leadership impacts 21 other 14- to 21-year-olds, guiding them in finding the right direction.

When Jimenez initially joined, he was quite shy. Today, he finds joy in addressing crowds, including his fellow Explorers and veterans’ groups they collaborate with on Veterans Day celebrations. He noted, “I speak, I raise morale a little bit. I feel like a new man.” Like many of his peers, Jimenez is contemplating a career in law enforcement.

Jimenez is enrolled in an associate’s degree program in Criminal Justice at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. His studies emphasize the importance of communication in law enforcement.

“Law enforcement is no easy thing,” said Jimenez, explaining that sometimes it involves raising one’s voice. Jimenez and fellow Explorers played a role in crowd management during the recent Fiesta Chicago Heights.

Elisa Serrato, an administrative assistant with the Chicago Heights Police Department and advisor to the Law Enforcement Explorers, was also present. The skills acquired by the Explorers are proving beneficial. Last month, the Chicago Heights post secured a first place award in beginner de-escalation at the Illinois Law Enforcement Youth Association state competition hosted by Western Illinois University.

Additionally, the Explorers have honed their skills in building searches and rapid response exercises at a local middle school. Officer Philip Esposito of the Chicago Heights police instructs Post #102 members on cooperating to assist a lost child at events like the Fiesta Chicago Heights.

Officer Philip Espinoza supervises the Explorers and was instrumental in expanding the program after his own experience as an Explorer in Berwyn. He served as a police officer in Berwyn for 15 years before joining the Chicago Heights department in 2017. Espinoza’s personal history influenced his career choice; he moved to Cicero at 12 before settling in Berwyn, encountering gang violence along the way.

“I wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem,” Espinoza expressed. His father, a factory worker, instilled values of hard work and courage, teaching him that risk is an integral part of life’s endeavors.

Since launching Chicago Heights post, three members entered the police force, and four embarked on military careers. Police Chief Arturo Robles, Jimenez, and Officer Esposito recently gathered at Fiesta Chicago Heights, highlighting their commitment and efforts in the program.

Brett Espinoza, Officer Espinoza’s son, joined the Explorers and participated in Fiesta Chicago Heights. Brett viewed the program as intriguing and expressed interest in pursuing law enforcement.

Arturo Robles, appointed the city’s police chief in April after a 27-year tenure, staunchly supports the Explorer program. His own engaging experience began as an Explorer in 1985, sparking an enduring interest. Robles shared, “Our goal is to reach out to the kids in the community. Hopefully, they want to continue in law enforcement.”

Janireah Williams-Hale, another Explorer from Glenwood and a senior at Bloom High School, shared how participation transformed her. “It’s really made me into a better leader,” she said. The program instilled confidence in her, providing a sense of belonging among peers.

Williams-Hale progressed from cadet to sergeant within the group while actively participating in her school’s JROTC, Drama Club, and National Honor Society. Fellow Explorer Maria Roa, 17, of Chicago Heights, has been involved for three years, aiming to improve perceptions of police.

“I see a lot of news broadcasts where police are represented as aggressive and racist,” said Roa. “I want to change that.”

Janice Neumann contributes as a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.