Programs

Police Explorers

The purpose of the Explorer Program is to give young men and women the opportunity to learn firsthand the duties and responsibilities of a police officer.  This program is designed to orientate youths about careers in law enforcement with a learning through experience approach.

What do Explorers do?

Explorers may participate in the Post Ride-Along-Program.  The Ride-Along Program of the Laguna Beach Police Department is designed to allow members of the Post to observe the duties of the patrol officer.   By being able to go on patrol with the officers during their shifts, Explorers will be able to learn first hand more about law enforcement, create a good relationship between youths and the police, and observe the duties that they may one day be doing.  While on a ride-along, Explorers may assist in any activity deemed appropriate by the officer and always at the discretion of the officer.  These activities can include carstops, accident scenes, routine calls and traffic control.  At all times during a ride-along, the safety of the Explorer is of utmost concern and priority and the Explorer remains under the direction of the officer throughout its duration.

The Laguna Beach Police Explorer Post requires its members to participate in activities, assignments, and special events organized by the Post. Some of these events include the annual Patriots Day Parade, the Laguna Beach Classic 5K/IOK Run, Sobriety Checkpoints, mutual aid events in other cities, and activities to assist other areas of the department such as the D.A.R.E. Program and Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit.

Explorers also participate in activities to maintain the Post. These include attendance at Post meetings and training classes, Post fund raisers, and other Post responsibilities such as Vacation House Checks. Members of the Post are continually trained in subjects relating to all aspects of law enforcement.  These subjects include but are not limited to: CPR and First Aid Certification, controlled substances recognition and the duties of the Narcotics Team, radio procedures and radio codes, knowledge of the City of Laguna Beach and its streets, domestic violence training and scenarios, weapons familiarization and range safety, and routine and felony car stops.

Members of the Laguna Beach Explorer Post also have the option of attending competitions and National Conferences held by the Boy Scouts of America. These are opportunities for Explorers to put their knowledge to the test and compete against Police Explorers from other cities and states and even other countries.

All members of the Laguna Beach Explorer Post are required to complete at least one Basic Explorer Academy within the first year of membership. The Explorer Academy is designed to teach Explorers the skills and mentality necessary to properly fulfill their Exploring duties.  At the academy, Explorers attend classes on a variety of police activities from patrol to S.W.A.T.  The Explorer Academy also teaches the importance of physical training and a high stress environment. All in all the most important product of the academy is the pride and accomplishment each Explorer retains with them even long after the academy.

Explorers may also attain rank within the Post. With rank comes increased responsibility and extra duties for the Explorer. Rank is awarded based on merit, achievement, maturity, responsibility, leadership abilities, and examinations. Rank is awarded for the positions of Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Corporal.

So, what do Explorers do? As you can see members of the Laguna Beach Police Explorer Program do quite a bit. As an Explorer you are not only a member of the Post as an organization but also the Laguna Beach Police Department and the Community of Laguna Beach. Exploring is a chance for young men and women to grow and develop in an environment of service and dedication that is necessary in every career.

What will the Explorer Program do for me?

Just as with any other youth volunteer program you get out of it what you put into it.  Active Explorers receive personal satisfaction from knowing they have helped other people, the City of Laguna Beach, and other communities through their time and dedication. Personal growth, self- confidence, development of good citizenship, and social interaction is a direct result of active involvement in Exploring. The Laguna Beach Police Department fully supports Explorer Post #1016 and realizes the need to involve the youth of our community in worthwhile, positive activities designed to promote qualities such as self-esteem and self-discipline through an atmosphere of professionalism and fun. The Explorer program also helps prepare participants for a career in law enforcement.

Requirements for Membership

All Explorer applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between the ages of 14½ and 21,
• Not have been convicted of any serious crime.
• Be free of any mental or physical disabilities which would limit participation or place the program and its members in jeopardy of any civil liability.
• Maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in school.
• Be in good standing with their family.
• Be willing to abide by the rules and regulations of the Post.

Selection of Applicants

All applicants for the position of Explorer must complete the following process:

• Complete and submit an Application for Membership Form.
• Attend three (3) consecutive Post meetings.
• Successfully complete a background investigation.
• Successfully complete an oral interview with the Advisory Staff and Explorer Supervisors.
• Have consent of their parents if minors.

Are you interested in becoming a Police Explorer? Contact the Explorer Advisor Laguna Beach Police Department 505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, California 92651 Officer Ted Falencki (949) 497-0750 ext. 231

For more information about the Laguna Beach Police Explorers Post, please visit their Official Web Site:

www.lagunabeachpoliceexplorers.com