Police Explorer Program

In 1996 the Fortuna Police Department started its first "Police Explorer" program which is chartered with the Boy Scouts of America. The Explorer Program introduces the individual young adult to the many varied opportunities available in a career in law enforcement.

The Explorer Program is designed to give the Explorer a working knowledge of police functions and a feeling of a social awareness and responsibility, and at the same time, to stimulate interest in law enforcement practices and code of ethics.

The qualifications for entry into the Explorer Post are as follows:

• Must be at least 14 years and under 21 years of age.
• Must be in good health with weight in proportion to height.
• Must live in the Fortuna High School District.
• Must maintain a "C" average in all school work.

The application process for entry into the  Explorer Post is as follows:

• The candidate submits an application for review to determine if the above conditions are met.
• An oral interview of the qualified candidate is then conducted.
• A limited background investigation will then be completed on each Explorer applicant prior to acceptance in the Post.

Meetings are conducted at a minimum of two times each month. One meeting is designated as a business meeting and the other meeting is designated as a training meeting.

Attendance at scheduled meetings is mandatory for all explorers. Absences must be approved in advance by the individual's supervisor or in their absence a member of the command staff. Repeated absences may result in disciplinary action up to and including being dropped from Post Membership.

Chain of Command within the  Explorer Post is very important. It is a series of administrative ranks or positions in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

The following are job descriptions for positions within the command staff of the   Explorer Post:

• Liaison Officer: The Liaison Officer is a full-time Fortuna Police Officer assigned to coordinate the Post as an additional duty. The Liaison Officer is the liaison between the Chief of Police and the Boy Scout Council. This officer is responsible to the Chief of Police for the  Explorer Post
• Advisors: The Advisors are full-time employees of the department who have volunteered for the additional duty of advisor. The Advisors are responsible to the Liaison Officer and coordinate the training of the Post.
• Captain: The Explorer Captain is in overall command of the operations of the Post. The Captain works closely with the Advisors. Together with other members of the command staff they coordinate all meetings, specific job assignments and duties. The Captain is the highest ranking officer in the Post.

Captain's responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Planning and carrying out any activities that involve the Post. This includes security jobs, field trips, money making projects and other related work for Explorers; training information and training sessions; keeping Post records such as attendance, and general files; guest speakers and sending out notes of appreciation for all guest speakers; and for handling administrative matter for the Post.

The Sergeant's responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Each Sergeant is assigned a squad and is responsible for the Explores assigned to that command. Each Sergeant is to see that all members in the squad are present at each meeting and special event. The Squad Sergeant has the responsibility to familiarize the new Explorer assigned to the squad with the program, supply all information needed and assist with the Explorer's training. The Sergeant is also responsible for Explorers fulfilling their duties and obligations.

Explorers are given the opportunity to ride along with officers while on patrol. The Ride-Along Program provides the Explorer with the opportunity to observe the Officers as they work in the field. Ride-alongs are but one element of the total Law Enforcement Explorer Program and should be managed in a judicious and well- supervised manner.

For further information on the Police Explorer Program contact Off. Charles Ellebrecht.

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This site last updated 07/15/2005 14:31

© City of Fortuna, 2005