MEXICO – An open house for youngsters age 14-20, and their parents, who want to get involved with a group aimed at learning about police work while gaining leadership and community service skills, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 29 at the Mexico Police Department.

The open house is the culmination of a series of meetings by the Police Explorers Advisory Board made up of members of the Mexico Police Department, Selectmen Reggie Arsenault and Richie Philbrick, teacher Barbara Radmore, businessman Roland Patneaude, and Renee Hodsdon. Board members had to have background checks before they could become involved.

Mexico Police Chief Jim Theriault said six to eight boys and girls have already expressed interest in the group, which will be the first of its kind in Oxford County.

Other Maine groups are located in Waterville, Bridgton, Biddeford, Saco and Winthrop.

The open house will include lots of food and an outline of goals. Theriault said eventually young people will have uniforms once fundraising activities begin.

The Explorers will meet twice a month on Thursdays.

Theriault said the youth group will learn about police work, how to raise funds, create a budget, and will be able to attend a youth police camp.

Dues are $7 a year, but no one will be turned away if the dues are a hardship.

Theriault said he is applying for a grant to start the charter. In the meantime, the Mexico Police Department is footing the cost for the charter and other start-up costs.

The Police Explorer groups operate under the Learning for Life Program and is affiliated with the Boy Scout program. Rumford and Mexico junior firefighters have formed a Firefighter Explorers group.

The Mexico group is open to youngsters in the River Valley towns. In the future, it may be open to young people throughout Oxford County, Theriault said.