Long Beach Police Explorer Program #295
The Long Beach Police Department Explorer Program is a career development and education program, open to mature young adults between the ages of 14-20. The Explorer Program is open to all who have an interest in the law enforcement profession and a desire to build life skills, character, education, and leadership experience.
The purpose of the Explorer Program is to provide training and experiences that foster responsibility and personal growth. Explorers develop compassion, self-confidence, and independence, while volunteering as a leader in their community.
Explorers attend weekly meetings, where they learn about the diverse aspects of the criminal justice field. Meetings consist of classroom lectures, demonstrations, physical training, teamwork activities, and guest speakers. Guest speakers from municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are brought in to share their knowledge and expertise of their specific position. Our guests include Patrol Officers, K9 Officers, Laboratory Technicians, Homicide Detectives, Professional Standards Staff, Department Wellness Staff, Narcotics Investigators, County Sheriffs, the County Medical Examiners, and various other speakers.
Explorers attend Civic Engagement and Community Service events, staff DUI Checkpoints, catalytic converter etching programs, participate in a patrol ride-along in the field, and compete in explorer competitions. Explorers will experience first-hand "on-the-job" field assignments with Police Officers and Police Detectives. Explorers also help community members at scenes of disasters and other major incidents.
The Explorer Program has a strict selection process and only accepts the most qualified applicants. The criteria to become a Long Beach Police Department Explorer are:
- Be at least 14 years of age and in the 9th grade, or 15 through 20 years of age (regardless of grade);
- Pass a background investigation;
- Maintain good moral character;
- Maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher in high school or college;
- Good school attendance;
- Pass an oral interview;
- Have never been arrested or convicted of a felony;
- No drug use;
- Perform physical activities (running, push-ups and sit-ups).
Regular meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at various Long Beach Police Department facilities. In addition to weekly training sessions, Explorers respond to emergency incidents at the request of the department. Explorers have the ability to assist the Police Department at missing person searches, evidence searches, SWAT team incidents, major crime scenes, officer-involved shooting investigations, and canvassing neighborhoods with crime flyers.
Successful completion of the Explorer Program can present many opportunities for the youth of tomorrow, especially for an Explorer who is planning to have a career with the Long Beach Police Department.
Become a Long Beach Police Department Explorer and make a positive impact!
Ready to Join? Recruitment for the Long Beach Police Department Explorer Program occurs in April and October. The application for the Explorer Program is available for download. For more information about the program contact PD-Explorers@longbeach.gov . To receive additional information regarding our next Open House please fill out this interest form.
