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

[MelbPD-Explorer]

The Topic name says it all, i would just liek to know thank you

[Stump]

No need to cross- post. Once is plenty.

[gamble]

What do you mean stump?

[Dan]

he posted the same thread in the explorer forum

[Lawson]

Well, some people here dont read the Explorer Forum, so Im sure he is just looking for a broader range of answers, nothing wrong with that.

[P01IC3M4N]

you really want my honest opinion? don't read any further than this if you're easily offended.




.




when i was in high school, my uncle was a deputy so i knew a lot of the local cops. anytime the explorers were mentioned, they were referred to as the nerdy kids. if i'd joined them, i'd have been laughed out of the room by every officer i came into contact with.

one of our explorers used to use a light he got from the PD to get out of traffic and got busted. one ran from a neighboring agency. we had a pursuit several months ago and that ended up being an explorer. i don't hold many of them in high regard.

there are explorers whom i think will probably be good officers, but most of them are so gung ho and of the "wannabe" status that it'd be a huge liability to any department. we've never hired an explorer as an officer and i don't see that happening anytime soon.

most people who are cops doubtfully fantasized about doing it when they were a kid. many of them pondered the idea, but didn't dwell on it. i decided to be a cop in one week. before that, i didn't care for it.

while i see you are an explorer, don't be discouraged by what i've said. in fact, i hope you prove me to be very wrong in my opinion.

[Post#83Chief]

i understand where u are coming from with the wannabe cop thing, but that is what i like about my post. with the 10 of us involved only one of us wants to go into LE. i don't think i could stand being around anyone who thinks they should be even held close to the same level as an officer.

autumn

[mcsap]

Of all of the kids in my explorer post ( about 20 ) only 2 of us ever got into law enforcement. Most just see the chases etc on TV and think it would be cool to be in chases and arrest people. There is a LOT more to the job than that. Domestics, dead bodies, injured kids, drunks, people that will try to hurt you the LEO ( I have been hit in the face, kicked in the chest, knocked down, scratched, screamed at by every name in the book , had my life threatened, my family threatened, etc.) It isn't all fun and games.

Exploring is a FUN way to get a LOOK at law enforcement but don't think for one minute that an Explorer ever comes close to having the abilities and responsibilities that a LEO does. Keep it fun and enjoy your association with Law Enforcement.

Explorer 1975-1978 USAF Security Police 1978-82 Police Officer 1986- present Explorer advisor 1994-95.

[gamble]

I know alot about LE my dad and brother are in it and i have always been interested in it so im pursuing my career

[gamble]

and mscap thats happned to my bro and dad so i know lol

[rdp]

We do hire a few explorers...........it is a good insight into LE.

[AnthonyM83]

Same at our department. Out of the 15 explorers, only one wants to be a police officer. Two are considering being paid reserves. Most want to be doctors, vet, teachers, and other service jobs. We don't really have wannabes, as only one wants to be, and she's very responsible.

I think the main benefit of the program is the life and work experience, as well as offering a more real view into what being a police officer or dispatcher would be. Realizing the job isn't all glory, you might have to do things you don't feel right doing, or that it wouldn't hold your interest for 20 years.

It also gives good kids an opportunity to do something useful with their time. Those who prove themselves are given more responsibility. As an added bonus, the explorer program was the deciding factor for me in never to even try any kind of illicit drug. I also found a great mentor there who acted as a second (sometimes first) father to me. The training and experiences have made me a better person.

In exchange for the experience, we save the department thousands of dollars in officer and CSO overtime pay. Almost a fourth of our current police officers used to be explorers.

So, you're not automatically type-casted as a wannabe, here. While being an explorer doesn't make you a more desireable recruit, the good reputation you've built up and letters of recommendation from other officers, sergeants, and chiefs can give you an edge over others on your level.

Additionally, once hired, you'll have the experiences, styles of police work, and mistakes of dozens of officers you've ridden with to help you out. You have an idea of what works, what doesn't, and what'll get you into trouble. If you're a good candidate in the first place, you'll save yourself a few learn-by-mistake-up lessons.

[Island_Girl]

It goes without saying, I'm not a cop. However, I think the Explorer program is a great thing. It gives kids an organization to be involved with rather than a gang. What's wrong with that? As for explorers getting in trouble, I think that's age and not the program.

We all gotta grow up sometime. *sigh*

[K9 Police]

I think explorers is excellent for this profession. Anything from explorers, to working in non-sworn positions such as a Reserve Officer, Community Service Officer, Park Agent, etc. will be extremely beneficial to not only you, but to the department that you will eventually serve. When it comes down to it, I think that it helps give our future LEOs a realistic look at the job. And I know they begin to realize that its not what they see on COPS or "Worlds Wildest Police Videos", although very entertaining to watch! :D

K9

[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.