police-explorer

Police Explorer Program Requirements- How To Become A Police Explorer

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Police Explorer Program Requirements- How To Become A Police Explorer

WHAT IS A POLICE EXPLORER PROGRAM?

Police explorer program is a law enforcement program for police programs for high school students between the ages of 14 to 20. The basic idea of this program is to educate the children interested in joining the police department in the future or those who are keen to learn the workings of the criminal justice system. The program teaches the importance of higher education, self-discipline, and respect for diversity. The students get to have a firsthand experience and training from the police explorer program in various activities within the community.

The program is sponsored by various law enforcement agencies across the country. Police organizations also offer police programs for youth. National Sheriffs‘ Association (NSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) are among the most popular. The agencies have their own youth police program training and standards.

WHAT JUNIOR EXPLORERS DO?

The youth explorers program’s main theme is to give the explorers insight into the justice system and allow them to work their personal growth. The explorer program for youth combines some classroom training with others in field training like ride-along in police vehicles, pistol shooting, watching duties, and much more. They learn through using the radio, the mobile data computer, directing traffic, and helping the officer complete reports. This gives them the basic experience of how the police department handles crimes and other matters.

However, the training styles and curricular are different in all parts of America. The training programs are usually open all round the year to apply whenever they want to, but all require students to get some general training.

For instance, the Denver Police Department in Colorado requires students to attend a 15-week Explorer Recruit Academy. The recruits attend a meeting once a week to complete their program.

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How Old Do You Have To Be To Be A Police Explorer

Likewise, Hampton, Virginia, various programs for kids and young adults like their Police Cadet program. This police explorer’s cadet program is for high school students between the ages of 14 year to 20 year. The program allows learning more about law enforcement and sees it is the right career option for them.

These are some of the general actives that the youth explorer program teaches:

  • Administrative training
  • Patrol “ride-along.”
  • Community Service
  • Tactical training
  • Honor guard
  • Search and Rescue
  • Radio procedure (how to properly use police radios)
  • Arrests and use of force
  • Traffic stops
  • Building searches
  • Crime scene investigations
  • Crisis/hostage negotiations
  • Report writing
  • Domestic crises
  • Emergency first aid & CPR/AED/officer down
  • White-collar crime
  • Active shooter response
  • Field intoxication tests
  • Fingerprint lifting
  • Riot control procedures

Police Explorer Program Requirements

First things first, be sure why you want to apply for this program. Top police explorer academies that offer youth law enforcement programs have higher criteria. Many students apply to those academies, it’s better if you have a strong reason.

  • You must be between the ages of 14 to 20 years and have completed your 6th grade.
  • You should be enrolled as a full-time student in school with a GPA of 2.5 and above.
  • Must have no felony convictions or certain criminal convictions.
  • Must pass a background check and interview.
  • Be able to volunteer a set amount of hours weekly.
  • Should have high moral and ethical values.

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COST AND REQUIRED ITEMS FOR POLICE EXPLORER TRAINING

Like training, the cost and required item to participate in the program vary from one academy to another. It depends on the training program.

For the Denver Police Department Explorer program, students have to pay $90.00 when they join and then $55.00 every December after that. It is a self-funded organization that is why they charge to cover the costs of operating the program. The department provides the uniform; however, Denver police explorers have to bring their duty boots and BDU pants. Likewise, every department decides its uniform and equipment themselves.

THE BENEFITS OF JOINING A POLICE EXPLORER PROGRAM

By joining the police explorer program, not only students but also the law enforcement department and the whole community benefit from it. Students get to explore themselves and gain exposure to various law enforcement careers. They build a relationship with professionals, which help them in the future.

The firsthand experience helps students in deciding which path to follow. It also makes them responsible individuals in all matters of life, from education to relationships to career. It also teaches them leadership skills, which help them throughout their lives.

A community also develops and grows as these students return to the community later in life in different forms. 

As for law enforcement, these programs help them to produce excellent and fine officers. They get to build the character of the willing individuals who wish to serve in the police. From an early age, these individuals learn how the system works, and they value and respect the work of an officer.

Becoming a Police Explorer is an incredible opportunity for youth in every community. It can help in keeping young adults from criminality. Everyone wins when communities offer such programs.

Check with your local police department if you or your child wants to become involved with the local Police Explorer program.

 

 

 

 

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