Applying for Membership
If you are interested in becoming an Explorer, you will need to attend our Orientation and Recruitment Night. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must accompany you at the meeting. At the end of the orientation meeting, you will receive an application package and a schedule for the remainder of the process.

Please see our News and Updates section for our next Orientation and Recruitment Night.

Explorer applicants must complete a background investigation along with the application process. The application process consists of a series of events that allow our staff to evaluate applicants on characteristics such as, attitude, enthusiasm, motivation, commitment level, physical fitness, and ability to follow specific instructions. The applicant assessments are thorough and conclude after the successful completion of a probationary period that culminates at the graduation of the Summer Explorer Academy. The information below will tell you what you can expect during the application process.

Orientation Night is a chance for you and your parents to really learn about Law Enforcement Exploring. The application process is explained in detail and the expectations of a Police Explorer are discussed. It is our hope that no question goes unanswered at the conclusion of our meeting. We want you to fully understand what the Explorer Post can do for you, and what we expect of our members. Applications are provided at the conclusion of the meeting along with the schedule for the remainder of the process and deadlines for required documentation.

Working in Law Enforcement can be stressful and we realize it is not for everyone. During this step in the application process, you will perform a physical agility test similar to what Police Officer applicants perform. You will also be challenged with numerous tasks of varying difficulty. Some of these tasks are physical in nature, some are mental. The idea behind this stage of the process is to see how you perform under pressure in a simulated environment. This is a valuable step in the process that allows our advisory staff to truly evaluate the individual characteristics of each applicant. You can expect this event to last approximately 4 hours.

Applicants who successfully complete the Physical Agility and Stress Assessment will be invited to continue on to the Interview Panel. Applicants will be individually interviewed by a panel consisting of current Explorers and Explorer Advisors. The interview is simple, but should be conducted like any job interview. Please dress appropriately, as first impressions are important. If you pass your interview, you will be notified of your acceptance into the program and your probationary period will begin.

After successful completion of the application process, new Explorers are brought in together for an 8 hour training day. During the initial training day, new Explorers will receive their probationary gear issue, which includes a basic uniform. Classes will be given on rules and regulations, law enforcement ethics, radio communication, traffic control, and physical training. After completion of this entry level training, Explorers are allowed to participate in monthly meetings and special events.

The probationary period for new Explorers culminates at the Summer Explorer Academy. Successfully completing the challenges of the Academy will be an experience you will never forget. You will learn about the Law Enforcement profession, being a successful Explorer, and you will learn a great deal about yourself. You will have a newly acquired confidence as you walk across the stage with friends you will have for the rest of your life.