Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Today when I was looking on my local police department's website I saw that they were recruiting young high school kids to join the explorers program. I tried calling but no one answered at the police station, so I was wondering if anyone here could tell me what it is like, and what kinds of things do you do there, I live in california, near the LA area, and also at 17 can you go on ride alongs or any other info would help.

You'll go to weekly or bi-weekly meetings, train in police techniques covering various areas, attend a couple competitions per year, assisit with traffic control for various things, work different details, and at 17 you will most likely be able to go on RALs. It's a good experience and if you're serious about LE join, you'll learn a lot. If not, don't waste your time and everyone else's.

Nadler pretty much summed it up. My former Advisor once told a to-be Explorer that if you are only thinking about it, don't. It is a commitment, something you have to be sure you want to do. Obviously he said it a little more tactfully but the point remains the same.

Good luck.

Nadler pretty much summed it up. My former Advisor once told a to-be Explorer that if you are only thinking about it, don't. It is a commitment, something you have to be sure you want to do. Obviously he said it a little more tactfully but the point remains the same.

Good luck.

Not true. This is why the explorer program was started, is so that young people can EXPLORE/RESEARCH about law enforcement to see if it is really something they would like to do as a career. Look into it and go to a couple meetings and see how you like it. However, if your joining just so you can do RAL's then you might want to think about something else.

Ya you're technically right. It's for individuals to explore the area. However, I personally don't like it when people sign up for it with no intention of becoming a LEO. Ugh...I could go on and on but I don't feel like writing a novel.

If you join and aren't ready to be 100% dedicated, please don't continue. And if you just want to do it for the RALs, like mpd said, just stop thinking about it.

I am in the explorer program for the local sheriffs office and i have to say i am greatly enjoying it.
We are going to have ride-alongs soon and i cant wait for that. I wasnt enrolled last year but it was the programs first year and when they went to the competition they dominated!
If i were you i would deffinatley do it!!

Yeah, I been in Explorers for less than a year and its great! Definetly go for it if you plan on going LE.......

Not true. This is why the explorer program was started, is so that young people can EXPLORE/RESEARCH about law enforcement to see if it is really something they would like to do as a career. Look into it and go to a couple meetings and see how you like it. However, if your joining just so you can do RAL's then you might want to think about something else.

I can agree with that to an extent. But I bet you would be willing to admit you better be able to commit if you're going to join a Post.

Ya you're technically right. It's for individuals to explore the area. However, I personally don't like it when people sign up for it with no intention of becoming a LEO. Ugh...I could go on and on but I don't feel like writing a novel.

If you join and aren't ready to be 100% dedicated, please don't continue. And if you just want to do it for the RALs, like mpd said, just stop thinking about it.

There's a few explorers I've seen that just joined to pass their spare time, with no intention of LE, Military, or security. I am right on with becoming a patrolman after college; it's my passion and desire.

You're lucky if you get to do competitions. My post doesn't.