from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Since its inception in 1969, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Law Enforcement Explorer Program has created new inroads of understanding between youth, law enforcement, and the community.
Deputy Explorers are not just "talkers." They receive extensive training and then actively participate in community affairs and non-hazardous law enforcement activities.
What is Law Enforcement Exploring? The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is a Sheriff's Department youth oriented program. It is affiliated with the special interest phase of the Boy Scouts of America. It's primary purpose is to provide, through actual experience, a means by which young men and women may determine if they would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program also provides the Sheriff's Department with additional human resources and it opens an important avenue of understanding with an energetic, concerned society of young people.
Training:
After acceptance into the Program, initial training for new Deputy Explorers takes place at one of the Sheriff's Explorer Academies. They are located at 11515 South Colima Road, Whittier, and at The College of the Canyons, 26455 N. Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia. The Explorer Academy consists of approximately 184 hours of instruction during 18 weeks of training on Saturdays.
Subjects such as community relations, criminal law, demeanor, firearms safety, narcotics control, police procedures and weaponless defense must be mastered. The trainees are required to undergo drill and physical training as well as their classroom work.
Satisfactory completion of the Academy earns the Deputy Explorer ten high school unit credits. In some cases, college credit can also be earned by post-graduation Academy involvement.
Who are we seeking?
To qualify for the position of Deputy Explorer, you must:
- have at least a "C" average in high school,
- be between the ages of 15 and 21 years of age, and,
- be of good moral character without any serious arrest record.
Deputy Explorers must meet the same basic physical requirements as a Deputy Sheriff.
The next step in the selection process involves a passing grade on an oral interview and a medical examination.
How and where do I join?
If you decide you want to become a Law Enforcement Explorer, and you feel that you meet the minimum qualifications, please contact the Explorer Advisor at any of the Sheriff's Stations located throughout the County. You need not live in an area policed entirely by the Sheriff's Department to become a member of the Explorer Program.
Contact your station coordinator to obtain further information regarding this program or for an application.
We invite you to call if you are uncertain about any aspects of the Program -- 626 798-1131.
