Exploring the Badge

Through a partnership between Elgin Community College and the Elgin Police Department, local young people interested in law enforcement are gaining real-world experience and a head start on their college education. 

The Elgin PD’s Explorer program introduces teens and young adults to careers in criminal justice through hands-on training, mentorship from officers, and community engagement. Thanks to a new initiative at ECC, that experience can also translate into college credit.

Todd Ramljak, EdD, an ECC criminal justice instructor and retired Elgin police officer, helped develop the pathway that allows Explorer participants to earn up to six college credits by demonstrating proficiency in two ECC criminal justice courses, providing motivated students interested in criminal justice careers a valuable head start.

Ramljak thought about the idea after seeing the program in action on campus last summer. “I was watching them, and thought, ‘Man, they are really good,’” Ramljak said. “They knew the lingo and the whole nine yards. I kept thinking, ‘How do I get them college credit for this?’”

Explorer programs are youth development initiatives run by police departments nationwide, typically open to participants ages 14 to 21. They provide early exposure to law enforcement while helping young people build leadership and life skills.

Through the Elgin program, participants gain experience through ride-alongs, training exercises, and community events, learning skills such as directing traffic, responding to simulated emergencies, and conducting building searches.

For Jasmin Perez, the program helped affirm a career goal she has held for years.

“It caught my attention when I was in middle school,” Perez said. “I always wanted to become a police officer. When I was 15 and applications opened, I immediately applied.”

The experience gave her a deeper insight into what a career in law enforcement truly involves.

“I've tried other career paths, but Explorers helped me understand what I want to do in life,” Perez said.

Her motivation also stems from a desire to build stronger connections between law enforcement and the community.

“If I went into law enforcement, I would be the first female in my family to do this. When I first told my family [about my interest], they were ‘iffy’ about it. Some of my family members have the wrong idea of officers, and I really want to change that,” Perez said.

“I want to be the change for my family.”

The program also encourages Explorers to participate in community events where they can engage with residents.

“For these community events, you have to go out there and talk to community members,” Perez said. “It helped my confidence to talk with people in both Spanish and English.” 

Perez, who currently serves as president of the Explorer post’s youth board, credits the program with helping her develop leadership skills.

“[Being] president was not on my list at all when I joined. I was too shy, too reserved, but this program pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Perez said.

Elgin PD Commander Heather Lencioni said the program helps young people explore career opportunities in public safety.

“I think it helps them identify their career path, or [explore areas like] technology related to law enforcement,” Lencioni said. “Exposure to law enforcement can naturally guide them, and I think it's a great benefit for a lot of these kids.” 

Chief Ana Lalley said the initiative also strengthens relationships between the police department and the community. 

“In general, it basically enhances the relationship between the police department and the youth residing in Elgin,” Lalley said. “They're building up their confidence, their knowledge, their teamwork. They're also giving back to the community.”

Explorers collectively contribute more than 1,100 hours of volunteer service each year, supporting community events and outreach programs throughout the city.

ECC hopes to build on that experience by recognizing the learning already taking place through the program. 

Students who demonstrate proficiency can earn credit for two ECC criminal justice courses — Community Policing and Patrol Operations — each worth three credit hours.

“It’s a real win‑win,” Ramljak said. “They save time and money, they get more exposure to college, and the experience goes hand in hand with their education.”

This article is part of ECC's Spring 2026 edition of Impact Magazine.

Impact Magazine is a bi-annual publication featuring news and information on alumni, student success stories, Elgin Community College Foundation updates, and articles about how ECC is making a difference in our communities