Explorer Day 2012
By: Kevin Mizner
Director, Police Academy and Training Programs
On Saturday, March 3, 2012, the College of the Sequoias Public Safety Training Program held the 1st Annual Explorer Day at the Public Safety Training Building on the Hanford Education Center campus. The event was attended by approximately 100 Police Explorers from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department, Kings County Sheriff's Department, Visalia Police Department, Corcoran Police Department, Lemoore Police Department, Hanford Police Department and Clovis Police Department.
The Explorers had the opportunity to sharpen their competitive skills in preparation of the upcoming Central Valley Explorer
Competition scheduled for March 10, 2012 at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. The Explorers practiced such skills as handling felony car stops, DUI stops, suspicious person contacts, building searches and the physical obstacle course. In addition, they had the opportunity to use the Public Safety Program's Driving Sim
ulators and Force Option Equipment.
All of this was done under the watchful eye of their Explorer advisers, who are typically peace officers from the participating agencies, and Public Safety Program staff. As stated by one of the event coordinators, Sgt. Alan Knight of the Tulare County Sheriff's Department, "The kids had a great time...being able to use a facility of this quality for such an event is outstanding."
The Law Enforcement Police Explorers Program is a formal youth program found within many law enforcement agencies. The program is typically limited to 14-21 years of age and allows youth are inter
ested in law enforcement to experience working with police officers and deputy sheriffs. The Explorers wear uniforms, attend regular meetings, training sessions and department events, and participate in ride-alongs and competitions. Anyone interested in the Explorer Program should contact their local police or sheriff's department for more information.
