Palm Desert Sheriff's Station Hosting Open Enrollment for Explorer Program

The following is a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department:

The Sheriff’s Explorer Post 507 proudly serves the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the respective partner cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells.

The Sheriff’s Explorer Post 507 is having an open enrollment for youths interested in becoming a law enforcement explorer. The open enrollment will be held in the community room at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, from 6:00 P.M. through 8:00 P.M. Parents are welcome to sit in during the presentation. Seating is limited.

Minimum Requirements:

• Between the ages of 14-20
• Enrolled in high school and maintain passing grades
• Able to pass a doctor’s physical exam
• Clear a background inquiry

Explorer Program

For over 30 years, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has supported an active Explorer Post Program for young persons between the ages 14 and 21. Law Enforcement Exploring is a division of the Boy Scouts of America that gives you a hands-on look at what a career in law enforcement is really like.

• Community Service
  Explorers serve the community in various ways such as directing traffic at special events, crime prevention programs and light security details.
• Ride-Alongs
  Once you become eligible, you can participate in the ride-a-long program. You become an extra set of eyes and ears for the officers and assist them on various calls.
• Meetings
  The Post meets weekly or bi-weekly (depending on the post), to discuss Explorer business and upcoming events.
• Career Enhancement
  Participating in a Law Enforcement Explorer Post is a great start to your law enforcement career! Call today and join other dedicated youths in serving their community.

Training

Training is provided by experts throughout the year and can include the following categories:

• Traffic Control
• Building Searches
• Vehicle Stops
• Defensive Driving
• Police Radio Techniques
• Defensive Weapons
• Accident Investigation

• First Aid
• Firearm Safety
• Criminal Law
• Narcotics Law
• Physical Fitness
• Patrol Procedures
• Logistics

• Domestic Violence
• Defensive Tactics
• Hostage Negotiations
• Criminal Justice System
• Police Community Relations
• Arrest, Search & Seizure
• Criminal Investigation

The Sheriff’s Department also sponsors a week-long, live-in Explorer Academy during the summer of each year.

How to Become a Law Enforcement Explorer

To contribute your time and skills to your community, please contact the Station Volunteer Coordinator for the area in which you wish to work. You will be asked to:

• Obtain your parents’ permission
• Contact your Explorer Post Advisor to request an application
• Participate in an oral interview as scheduled
• Submit your completed background paperwork
• Pass a background investigation
• Have good moral character
• Have no major criminal record
• Be interested!!!