Explorer Programs
Law Enforcement Explorer Post 7276
What is the Explorer Program?
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post is a group of young men and women interested in exploring a career in law enforcement. Explorers get a combination of classroom trainings and hands on experience that teaches them about the rigorous and challenging field of law enforcement.
Exploring is a program sponsored by both the Sheriff’s Office and the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life Program. It is open to young men and women between the ages of 15 and 21, who have completed the 8th grade. Sheriff’s Explorers usually meet in the evenings on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meetings are held at the Sheriff’s Office (located at 2796 Ventura Avenue in Santa Rosa) and at off site locations.
Opportunities Offered
Explorers receive instruction in the following areas:
- Laws of Arrest
- Arrest Techniques
- Defensive Tactics
- Firearms
- Crime Scene Management
- Fingerprinting
- Traffic Control
- Using Two-Way Radios
- Report Writing
Explorers are required to attend all regularly scheduled meetings. This may include assisting in Sheriff’s Office sponsored activities, community events and parades. Additionally, Explorers participate in the Office’s ride-along program.
Explorers take part in local and regional trainings and competitions with other explorer posts. Each Explorer is expected to attend a one time, nine day Explorer Academy sponsored by the Sonoma County Explorer Advisors Association. This academy is held on Sundays at the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center in Windsor.
Qualifications
Applicants to the program must pass a mandatory background investigation.
Requirements for entry include:
- Maintain a minimum ‘C’ grade average in school
- Have a history of good conduct
- U.S. Citizen
- Have a history of good school attendance
- No felony arrests
- Good driving history if licensed
- Fingerprinting
Applicants are not required to have any related experience prior to becoming an Explorer.
To join we need:
- Completed application
- Memo of interest, including why you want to be an Explorer and what you have to offer the program
- Letter from your school stating your grade point average and that you have no history of conduct or attendance problems
- One or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, coach, employer, volunteer leader etc. stating why they believe you would qualify to become an Explorer
- Any copies of awards and or certificates such as first aid, sports, academic and skill awards.
Interested candidates are welcome to come to any of our meetings for more information. Parents are always welcome.
Commitment to the post and community are a fundamental value held by our Explorers. The work is rewarding and fun. Many Explorers have become fulltime law enforcement officers.
How to Join
For more information and an application contact Deputy Mark Provost or Deputy Casey McLaughlin at 565-2650
