What Do P.O.'s think about the Explorer Program

[Srebeiro]

Andy, you dont think it would be the deciding issue.
What if that was an Explorer that was with your department?? I think that the department would choose someone it knows over a stranger any day

[K9 Police]

Originally posted by mcsap
Having been an explorer might benefit you in test taking or an oral interview but listing that on your app means nothing. If we had two equal candidates and one had been an explorer, that would not be the deciding issue on hiring.

It would at the places I have been. Any type of previous law enfrocement experience, however limited, is of great benefit and looked upon greatly by departments in WI and MN. Especially if you are an explorer for said department. Does nothing but help you, especially if you make the right contacts.

K9

[mcsap]

Exploring IS NOT previous law enforcement experience. Prior LE experience means having worked as a SWORN officer. PERIOD.

It is at best EXPOSURE to law enforcement.

WHen you apply at my department, you are scored on a written test, oral exam and a physical agility test. I have never seen anybody come in with a tie score as we award points down to the hundreths of a point.

You either score high enough or you don't. Any "edge" that an explorer may have from their exposure to Law Enforcement as compared to a person with no exposure is EASILY evened out during the academy and FTO training.

When you have 18 years as a civilian LEO and 4 yrs as a military police officer behind you, check back on your current posts.

When I applied to become an LEO in 1985, I was not certified in PA and had only been in the military police. There were three openings and 60 applicants. I know of at least several of those who applied who were already PA certified and had worked or were working as a LEO. Of the 3 of us hired, 2 were certified and one (me ) was not. They hired me over an already certified officer, had to send me to the academy for 3 months, go through FTO for 90 days etc. They could have hired an already certified officer. What makes you begin to think that having been an Explorer would have made ANY difference ?

[Island_Girl]

"I think it's a great program because it supports ethics. It's just like DARE, it keeps you focused on the ethical issues. It really depends on the officer though. Those that are really into it are awesome!! I can't say enough about them."















*Will now go and delete my started thread......DORK!!

[Mike5166]

I was an Explorer, I think it's an excellent program. I know many other's who, like me, went from Explorer, to Reserve, to Sworn. (with military and/ or college in between somewhere)

When I was an explorer with a small, 22 officer department in Suburbia Minnesota, we were treated great. Never got turned down for a ride-along' and many times spent a couple of hours just talking to an officer after his shift.

Maybe it was like that because it was a small department. We did alot for them to - washed the squads, put property tags on recovered bikes, worked with the DARE program, and more.

After I am done with my FTO program (FIVE MORE DAYS!!!) I am considering volunteering to be one of the advisors for our explorer program.

It doesnt' give you 'experience' so much as gives you a taste of it so you can decided when you're young if that's a career option.

Oh, and there many typs of Explorer-Scouts, they have them for many occupations.

[CPDexplorer]

I hope that I have learned something about LE by being an Explorer for three years, however I understand that I have only seen the tip of the hypothetical "Iceberg" of LE, and do not by any means consider myself to be experienced in Law Enforcement.

As an Explorer, I do think that it is a good program, but it has to be taught correctly to have an effect on the kids participating. (just like DARE)

I know that being an Explorer has helped me to firm my resolve to be a Cop, and I hope that it has prepared me (somewhat) for the recruiting process ahead of me.

[K9 Police]

Originally posted by mcsap
LE experience means having worked as a SWORN officer. PERIOD.

Perhaps under the scrutiny of a written test. However, in an oral interview exploring or having other affiliations with law enforcement is a type of law enforcement experience. I worked as a Community Service Officer in MN where I enforced laws and ordinances. I was not a sworn officer, but I arrested people by giving citations, etc. I investigated crimes, did my reports, did my follow-ups, etc.

I think we see the words "law enforcement experience" differently. I held a lot of non-sworn positions (Community Service Officer, Reserve Police Officer, Park Patrol Agent, Field Security Supervisor) and I consider that part of my law enforcement experience, including my current sworn position. My law enforcement career did not begin when I became sworn, it was when I started working under these type of positions. They definetly can not be compared to sworn positions, but are valuable in their own right. I was told by my hiring authority that these law enforcement experiences along with my degree helped me be hired as a sworn officer at 21.

Just my .02

K9

[soulhydration]

I was an Explorer for about 2 years. Of those two years I was able to attend maybe 40% of the meetings due to traveling and job conflicts. However I have to agree with MCSAP on this one. What I saw was several high school kids (which I was one of) checking out LE, not gaining LE experience.

When it comes time for my interview process all I will say regarding the explorers is it was positive experiece that helped me to finalize my desion to pursue a LE career.

Just as a comment - the officers at this department were not always happy to have to ride out with an explorer. I think they found us to be a pain in the a#s and looking back rightfully so.

[CPDexplorer]

I think that it all depends on the Department.

There are some Explorer programs that are really just a bunch of teens that like wearing uniforms, but there are also departments that are really serious about recruiting and finding kids who really want to be cops.

Those departments usually provide there Explorers with good work experience, and offer the Explorers all the chances that they can provide for them to learn about Law Enforcement.

[Stump]

Unfortunately CPD, not every department can be like yours and Dan's. You two guys have your heads on straight.
I wish your advisor would write a book about how to be an explorer. I think some of those posts out there would benefit greatly. Shake your advisor's hand for me - he did a great job teaching you guys what explorers is all about.

[CPDexplorer]

Hey, thanks for the compliment! And I agree about our advisor, he is awesome. (as are the assistant advisors)

[Dan]

Originally posted by CPDexplorer
Hey, thanks for the compliment! And I agree about our advisor, he is awesome. (as are the assistant advisors)

werd, our advisors awesome guys:cool: