Police Explorer - Volunteer

Explorer Post #411 has been in existence since the mid 1970’s. The program is open to individuals between the ages of 14 ½ and 21 years old. The members of this program enjoy a wide range of activities, which expose them to many aspects within the field of law enforcement and community service.

The city and police department staff is committed to assisting our youth to become responsible and contributing members of our community. As Explorers, our members are able to actively participate in creating a safe environment in which to live, work, play, and grow. In addition, this experience brings a feeling of accomplishment and pride to those who participate.

A planned program will introduce members to all phases of law enforcement is ongoing. Instruction is provided by police personnel, specifically Explorer Advisors, under the direction of the Chief of Police. A command structure is also in place within the post. This allows for members to learn and develop leadership and problem solving skills.

The Volunteer Police Explorer program is intended to provide experience that is a useful addition for future professional employment and there should be no expectations of future paid employment with the City of Claremont.

School and employment responsibilities should be considered prior to the application process, though exceptions can be made under certain circumstances. Explorers are required to volunteer in the records bureau of the department, participate in patrol ride alongs, and be prepared for call-outs whenever necessary. Weekly meetings are held at the Claremont Police Department. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 4 PM – 5PM.

Attendance at these meetings is mandatory
. A minimum of 10 service hours is required per month.

It is occasionally necessary to call out available Explorers for emergencies. These emergencies could include: lost/missing persons, area searches for persons, weapons, or other evidence, major traffic accidents, traffic control, weather related emergencies, and disasters. Either advisor staff or the on duty Watch Commander will approve all call outs.

Additional Explorer duties and activities include, but are not limited to:

• Academy training in July (typically a week long, live-in style academy)
• Traffic control
• Provide a police presence at special events (parades, carnivals, City events, etc.)
• Assisting police personnel with departmental operations
• Interacting with the public, crime scene searches, missing person searches, translation (if applicable), police vehicle service, etc.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Must be between 14 ½ and 21 years of age. Parental support is required if under age 18.

Must maintain outstanding citizenship, motivation, and personal character. Good school attendance and a 2.0 GPA or “C” average, if under the age of 18 is required.

No drug or alcohol use. Strict adherence to all federal, state, and local laws, as well as the policies of the City of Claremont and the Claremont Police Explorer Policy Manual.

Prospective Explorers are first required to submit a completed application. The application must also have two letters of reference and a copy of the most recent school transcript. One reference letter must be from a school official; i.e. counselor, teacher, principal, etc. The second reference letter must be from an adult other than a relative.

Once the application, letters of reference, and transcript have been received, the Explorer Advisor’s will review the application. The application will be reviewed for completeness, content, spelling, and grammar. Upon completion of the process, an oral interview and home visit will be scheduled and conducted. A decision will be made shortly after these steps have been completed.

Each prospective Explorer is also required to attend two Explorer Meetings, to ensure commitment and understanding of the program.

Uniforms

In most cases, uniform shirts with patches, uniform pants, a black basket weave belt, and nametags will be provided to new members. A new member is required to purchase black uniform boots and a flashlight holder. Boots must be polished at all times. It is mandatory that each member have at least one full uniform…