Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hello everyone, i'm new to RealPolice.
I been an explorer for about 2 years now with the Blythe Police Department, we are a very small department and a very small explorer post, maybe only 6 strong but i am the only active and senior explorer left in the group. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of recruitment to get kids to join. We also don't have a dedicated Advisor to the post so we never have meetings. i only go on ride alongs whenever i want. Does anyone have any ideas on how i could maybe get the Post back up and running? Also we have to pay 100% for the uniform and gear nothing is given to us from the department. I already have all my gear and uniform but i also think thats why a lot of the kids drop out or don't become active because the cost is to much. what are some ideas to help with this situation also.

Thanks,
Explorer G.

If you dont at least have a dedicated advisor who is a member of the police dept. , you will have a tough time doing much of anything. THAT is the person who you should be speaking to.

I know the police Chief in Blythe.

I suspect that if the OP is a member of the post , that he too knows the Chief. If you can HELP him with his situation , go for it.

One: Evaluate why you do not have a steady advisor. If the agency does not pay for him to attend/conduct meetings, there may not be enough of an incentive. If budget crunches have lessened the funding the agency has for the program, that may be a large factor as well.

Two: The department may also consider an alternate uniform. Perhaps a polo worn with dencent jeans or slacks versus the police style uniform I wore as an explorer. That would be considerably cheaper ($25 vs $75).

Recruitment is another issue. People won't attend if there are no activities or consistency. Not everything, however, can be training along the lines of building searches and traffic stop. Getting the post more involved in the community may help with recruitment because members are being seen. Operation Child ID, traffic control, playing McGruff and whatnot is a good way to get exposure and help the agency out, which can make them more supportive of you, as well.

Does your local high school have career day? If so you could do some of the following;
Set up a table with the county Flag (if you can get permission)
Let them know the explorer post exists by having a homemade banner.
Have a big sign "Looking for an exciting Career"
Have a sign up- sheet.
Bring a map of the United States on an easel and put push pins in all the counties that are looking to hire new police recruits. Along the counties hiring, put in the salaries. Show some high salaries and show some low salaries.
Be ready to talk about benefits of local police departments.
You need to be able to answer these questions. Although Blythe may not be hiring you can instill the thought that maybe a police career is good and they could start as an explorer.
Have a scrap book people can look through of incidents where police saved lives or caught major criminals. Look on the INTERNET to get this.
Check out the local colleges and have ready the courses available for police science courses.
Make a list of the things you would like a full compliment of explorers to be doing. When asked you just can't say "Well we really don't do anything now, just do ride alongs".
These are just some ideas. You would have to get permission from the Chief of course and the High School. I hope one or two of them help you out.
Once you get a better group of explorers have a car wash day and hand out pamphlets concerning home safety. (you can get these on the internet) Use the money to buy explorer shirts.