LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER POST 521E

The San Fernando Police Department founded Law Enforcement Explorer Post 521E over thirty years ago. Our explorer program endeavors to teach young people the importance of personal responsibility, while developing their leadership abilities. Law Enforcement exploring began when the Boy Scouts of America and representatives of the criminal justice community established the first post in 1962. Since inception, law enforcement exploring has help tens of thousands of adolescents grow into productive members of society.

The law enforcement explorer program offers young people a variety of hands-on, career-oriented activities that provide the explorers with a unique insight in the workings of the Police Department, while also providing service to the community. For young men and women who are interested in a career in the field of law enforcement, exploring offers experiential learning combined with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote personal growth and development.

Once our explorers have graduated from the explorer academy and finished their probationary period, they can take part in any of the activities that the post offers, including riding during patrol shifts with police officers, assisting police dispatchers in our communications facility, and participating in community service programs. Our explores take part in many public service programs, including child fingerprinting during local events, assisting with traffic and crowd control at parades and fiestas, and helping deliver Christmas baskets to underprivileged families during the holiday season.

Our explorer program is available to young people of good moral character who have completed eight grade and are at least 14 years old. Once accepted into the program, explorers must maintain a minimum C grade point average to continue as an active member of the post. Explorers who maintain an active affiliation with the post may apply to become post advisor when they reach 21 years of age.

The acceptance process includes successfully completing a written application, and passing an oral interview, a background investigation, and medical screening. In addition, explorer applicants must write an autobiography and graduate from the explorer academy. The explorer academy is 184 hours of instruction conducted over an 18-week period on Saturdays. The course of study includes community relations, criminal law, firearm safety, police procedures, and weaponless self-defense. Explorer trainees are also required to participate in drills and physical training while attending the academy.

For more information about becoming a San Fernando Police Department Explorer, please contact our Explorer Advisory Office at 818-898-1267, extension 521, or pick up an application and informational package at the San Fernando Police Department.