The Lake Havasu City
Police Department is a proud sponsor of the Law Enforcement
Explorer Program. This program gives young men and women a
hands-on chance to determine if they want to pursue a career in
law enforcement. It also builds trust and cooperation between
youth and the police department.
Law Enforcement
Exploring is a Learning for Life program, which is affiliated
with the Boy Scouts of America. The department explorer post is
directed by LHCPD officers who have demonstrated an interest in
teaching and working with youth. The department's Explorers are
young adults, both male and female, ages 16-20, many of whom
have gone on to enjoy careers in law enforcement in several
police departments including the LHCPD. This is a voluntary
program that does require Explorer's commitment to bettering
themselves through their studies.
WHAT
THE PROGRAM OFFERS
The Explorer Program
gives young adults the chance to:
-
Learn the duties and
procedures of LHCPD officers. This includes being taught how
to conduct a car stop, search a building, handcuff suspects,
patrol activities, firearms safety, traffic law, etc.
-
Understand how
different parts of the LHCPD function together. To do this,
Explorers are exposed to various aspects of the police
department. This normally includes giving Explorers a chance
to tour various portions of the police facility as well as
ride along with the police officers.
-
Compete with
different Explorer Posts from police departments across the
United States. Each year Explorers are given the chance to
travel to different cities to attend Law Enforcement
Exploring Conferences as well as to compete with other
Explorers in law enforcement related scenarios
-
Develop leadership
skills, self-confidence, maturity and discipline. Explorers
are given the chance to advance in rank by testing for the
position of sergeant, which once attained, challenges the
Explorer by being put in a leadership role within the
program. Explorers also must maintain a uniform and pass
inspection by police officers.
-
Participate in
community activities. As part of their membership
requirements, Explorers are called upon by department and
community organizations to help facilitate events and
gatherings within the community.
WHAT
IT TAKES
-
Explorers not only
represent themselves, they represent the LHCPD and our
community as well. To become an Explorer, young people must
meet the following standards:
-
Currently attending
high school, graduated or have obtained a GED. Be of good
moral habits with no arrest or conviction records for
serious offenses, or multiple minor offenses. (Must be
willing to submit to a complete background check.)
-
If a minor, must
have parental approval, which includes signatures by the
applicant and his/her parents or guardians on a general
liability release and medical waiver forms.
-
Be of good mental
and physical health.
-
Must have or
maintain a "C" average or above in school.
NOTE: Each Explorer
must "retire" from the Explorer Post upon his/her 21st birthday.
SO
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
If you meet the
requirements for membership and you'd like more information or
would like to become an Explorer, you can call the Lake Havasu
Police Department and ask for the explorer advisor or the
date/time of the next meeting.
