 South
Bend Police Explorer Post 911
Check
on our Upcoming Events and Meeting notes Explorer
Post News and Weblog HERE
Related
Links
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| | 5-16-08
We are now recruiting for new applicants for Explorer Candidates from now through
June 15th. The post is limited to 15 Explorers, so openings are limited.
If you are interested in finding out more, please take a look here
for more information, or you can download an application/information letter from
the link on your right. Fill out and return to Cpl Edward Koczan by dropping off
the application at the front desk of the police station!
Frequently
Asked Questions about the Explorers:
Q: What is a Police Explorer?
The South Bend Police Department's Explorer Program is an extension of the
Boy Scouts of America Learning For Life Program.
Q: Who can join?
The
program is designed for young men and women bewteen the ages of 14 to 20 to experience
first-hand how a police department functions and what it takes to get started
in a challenging career in law enforcement at the local level.
 Q:
What does the program do?
The program, geared around law enforcement,
gives youth self-confidence, discipline, and a feeling of community involvement.
The youths are trained in all aspects of law enforcement- a total of 60 hours
of educational training- including report writing, traffic stops, crime scene
investigation, defensive tactics, firearm safety, arrest procedures, crimes in
progress, etc.
Q: What does the program do in the community?
Police
Explorers perform a variety of community services which is not only personally
satisfying but valuable experience which is frequently asked for when applying
for college. The Explorers work with the Crime Prevention Unit assisting with
Neighborhood Watch programs, Mock Bank Robbery training, Graffiti paint-overs,
police auction functions, Potawatami ZooBoo, Stayin' Afloat, and larger events
such as National Night Out, Sunburst Marathon and other civic events, as well
as fundraiser events such as Car Washes and PortAPit dinner sales.
They
also help provide traffic control for home Notre Dame football weekends and through
out the year for various marathons, walks, and other events.
The Explorers
can also be used by the department as role players during training exercises for
the police training and during Officer Survival School training. During training
the department needs actors to play the rolls of victims and witnesses and most
often criminals. It is just as much a learning experience for the Explorer as
it is the police officer in training.
Q:
Do Explorers get to ride on the streets with an officer?
Yes.
Explorers over the age of 16 are able to ride on patrol with officers on a regular
basis if they choose to do so which enables them to gain enough personal experience
to make an informed decision as to whether they really want to pursue a career
in law enforcement. Typically Explorers earn an hour of ridealong credit for each
hour of service put in, such as meeting attendance, and other event meetings.
 Who
can be a Police Explorer?
If you are interested in becoming a Police
Explorer, you must be 14 ½ to 20 years old. If you are under the age of 18 you
need parental consent to participate in the Explorer Program. You should have
a general interest and appreciation for law enforcement. You must have and maintain
a cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 or better, be of good moral character,
abstain from using alcohol and drugs and must not have a felony or misdemeanor
conviction.
Background investigations as well as involvement with local
School Resource Officers (SROs) are performed to be sure the candidate will be
able to join the program.
The Police Department recruits quarterly for
the Post. The first step is the written application to be submitted. If you attain
a passing score the process is followed by an oral interview and a background
investigation. If you are accepted into the program you will remain a probationary
Explorer for three months and will be allowed to participate in limited certain
activities. After passing the probationary period you will be required to wear
the Explorer uniform and have full access to the opportunities available through
the program.
Q: When are the Meetings?
The Explorer meetings
are held the FIRST and THIRD Sundays of every month, from 5pm to 7pm at the central
police station, at 701 W Sample. Meetings are typically 1½ to 2 hours in length,
and include general post business as well as other training modules of Law Enforcement
education.
Explorers are required to attend the meetings and volunteer
a minimum of 6 hours per month (not including ridealong hours). In addition to
the aforementioned functions, Explorers may also volunteer their time throughout
the Police Department but primarily within the Property Room, Crime Scene Unit
and Records sections. Several current employees at the Police Department started
out as Police Explorers. Cost for participation is minimal, with $5.00 of monthly
dues collected used for post activities. Uniforms are supplied at no charge after
a three month probationary period!
Q: Who can I contact for more
information?
If you are interested in becoming a Police Explorer contact
the Head Explorer Advisor, Cpl. Edward Koczan at 574-235-5858 x2185, or ekoczan@southbendpolice.com
Q:
How can I get started?
The first step is to fill out and return
(no mail ins) the Explorer Application Packet at the top of the page. This will
provide you more information about the post and the application itself, or call
with any questions!
Q: I am over 20 but interested in something similar.
Are
you a High School Graduate, and enrolled in college? Be sure to also take a look
at our renewed Cadet Program for applicants 18-24 years old:
Information on our SBPD Cadet Program
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