Beaumont Police Explorers Learn How to Become Role Models, Leaders at Academy

On July 25, 2014, the City of Beaumont’s Police Explorers completed a weeklong academy at the Riverside County Sheriffs Ben Clark Training Center.

Nine of the City’s Police Explorers attended and received hands on training at the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s annual Explorer Academy. The academy included over 100 Explorers from throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and as far away as Washington County Utah. The Explorers received training on ethics, leadership, physical training, nutrition, patrol tactics, officer safety, self defense, firearm safety, domestic violence investigation, mental health investigation, gang awareness, traffic collision investigation, and active shooter training. In addition, there were presentations from the helicopter, K-9, SWAT and bomb squad units.

According to Chief Frank Coe, “the Explorer academy is a great way for aspiring police officers to learn what the actual police academy will be like. The Explorer program is a great opportunity for young people to experience law enforcement and determine if this an appropriate career path, while serving their community”.

This year’s attendees included the following Beaumont Explorers: Anthony Becerra, Zachary Chavez, Austin Forrester, Angela Fuquay, Matt Martinez, Elizabeth Ostrander, Serena Patino, Tony Taylor, and Jonathan Wartena.

The Beaumont Police Explorer Program is open to those between the ages of 14 and 20. Police Explorers have many opportunities to assist and be involved with the police department, including ride-a-longs, traffic control, DUI check points, assisting at city events such as concerts and the Cherry Festival, and building community relations. In addition to the academy, Police Explorers also have the opportunity to attend explorer competitions to demonstrate the skills they learn during their explorer training.

For additional information or to join the Beaumont Police Explorers, please call (951)769-8500 or visit www .BeaumontCares.com