Finding Heidi: The Discovery and Immediate Response

Law enforcement Explorer programs were created to mentor teens interested in policing. But decades of weak oversight created an environment where officers could manipulate that trust. Some exploited their roles, using their authority to groom, abuse, and silence the very teens they were entrusted to guide.

Resources:

• RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: 24/7 hotline and resources for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visitrainn.org
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): Research, education, and tools to support prevention and survivor recovery. Visitnsvrc.org
• Joyful Heart Foundation: Works to transform the response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, while supporting healing and survivor advocacy. Visitjoyfulheartfoundation.org
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Confidential support for anyone concerned about child abuse. Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visitchildhelphotline.org
• VictimConnect Resource Center: Provides free, confidential support and referrals for people affected by crime, including sexual abuse and misconduct by authority figures. Call 1-855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) or visitvictimconnect.org
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Expert guidance, therapist locators, and educational tools for families navigating trauma and abuse. Visitnctsn.org
• Bloom365: Youth-focused organization working to end teen dating abuse, sexual violence, and trauma through prevention, peer advocacy, and healing services. Call or text the Bloom helpline at 1-888-606-HOPE (4673) or visitbloom365.org
• CDC – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Evidence-based strategies and data about child sexual abuse in the U.S. Visit cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childsexualabuse
• State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers: Directory to report child abuse to agencies. Visit childwelfare.gov/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources. Call 988 or visit988lifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line: 24/7 mental health support via text. Text "HOME" to 741741 or visitcrisistextline.org
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Support for those experiencing abuse or coercive control. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788, or visitthehotline.org
• Love is Respect: Help for teens and young adults in abusive relationships.
  Call 1-866-331-9474, text "LOVEIS" to 22522, or visitloveisrespect.org
• National Center for Victims of Crime: Provides advocacy, legal information, and trauma-informed resources for survivors of sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation. Visitvictimsofcrime.org
• Male Survivor: Support for male survivors of sexual abuse and assault, including institutional or authority-based abuse. Visitmalesurvivor.org

Staying Safe in Youth Law Enforcement Programs:

If you or your child is involved in a Police Explorer program – or any youth mentorship run by law enforcement – there are steps you can take to reduce risk and create safer boundaries.

• Ask direct questions. Who runs the program? What are the policies around texting, ride-alongs, and one-on-one interactions? Are there rules that limit contact between adult officers and minors outside of scheduled events?
• Insist on transparency. Reputable programs should have clear, written guidelines about communication, supervision, and conduct. Ask to see them.
• Monitor ride-alongs. Know who your child is riding with, how long they're gone, and what the reporting procedures are.
• Watch the tech. Officers or advisors should never be Snapchatting, DMing, or texting minors privately. Monitor app usage and discuss healthy boundaries.
• Get involved. Show up to meetings. Get to know the adults running the program. Your presence as a parent or guardian helps make the space safer for everyone.
• Keep communication open. Let your child know they can talk to you about anything -- especially if something makes them uncomfortable. Make it clear that they won’t be in trouble for speaking up.

Getting Help:

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in a Police Explorer or similar youth program, here’s what to do:

• Believe them. If a child or teen discloses abuse, believe what they say. Stay calm, listen, and affirm that it’s not their fault. Praise them for coming forward.
• Report it. If the child is in danger, call 911. Otherwise, contact your local police, sheriff's department, or state child protection agency. If you’re concerned local police might have a conflict of interest, contact your state police, state attorney general, or the FBI.
• Document/preserve everything. Save messages, screenshots, call logs — anything that could help support the report.
• Seek emotional support: Abuse by a trusted adult is incredibly disorienting. You and/or your child deserve compassionate care from someone trained in trauma -- like a therapist, school counselor, or crisis line advocate.
• Connect with survivor resources. Many organizations offer specialized support for young people.
• Consult legal counsel: Some survivors explore civil legal action against individuals or institutions. An attorney familiar with institutional abuse cases can help assess your options.

Red Flags: Signs of Grooming or Abuse in Explorer Programs:

Abuse by authority figures often begins with grooming -- a gradual, often-subtle process that builds trust before violating it. Here are common warning signs in youth law enforcement programs:

• “Special” treatment. One teen is singled out for attention, gifts, mentorship, or exclusive opportunities not given to others.
• Excessive one-on-one contact. Repeated private ride-alongs, late-night messages, or invitations to hang out off-duty.
• Private communication. The adult uses personal texting apps, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, or other unmonitored channels to talk to a minor.
• Overstepping/blurring boundaries. Inappropriate compliments, jokes about relationships, or sharing personal details not appropriate for a mentor-mentee dynamic.
• Isolation. The adult discourages the teen from talking to others about their relationship or makes the teen feel responsible for their secrecy.
• Gaslighting or guilt. The adult blames the teen for misunderstandings, manipulates their emotions, or makes them feel they’ll “ruin someone’s life” if they speak out.
• Physical contact. Touch that’s unnecessary, prolonged, or makes the teen uncomfortable -- even if it’s framed as casual or accidental.

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