Brownsville police presented awards to 15 teenage Explorers for completing a 60-hour course on law enforcement theory and practice. The awards were presented during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Southmost Community Networks Center, 2900 Southmost Blvd.

The police Explorers are part of the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program, aimed at giving teenagers insight into various occupations and the working world, said group advisor Mario Garza.

The course began in mid-August and concluded in mid-December; during the length of the course, members underwent schooling and training similar to that provided at an actual police academy.

The students learned about the history of law enforcement, police and investigative procedures, arrest techniques, as well as other topics, Garza said.

The Explorers received diplomas and ribbons from Carlos Garcia, chief of the Brownsville Police Department.

Any teenager between the ages of 14 and 20 who is interested in joining the Explorer program is encouraged to call the Southmost Community Network Center at 548-7045.