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Mesa Police Department Explorer Post #55

The Mesa Police Department Explorer Post is designed to provide exciting and challenging training along with on-the-job experience for young people interested in a career in law enforcement. The Explorers participate in many phases of police work, but are not placed in dangerous law enforcement situations. They may ride in patrol cars and work side by side with police officers.

The Police Explorer Program is one of the best ways for youth to become involved with their community in a positive way and learn about law enforcement at the same time!

Can I Be A Mesa Police Explorer

You can become a Mesa Police Explorer by meeting the following requirements:

  • Be 14 to 21 years of age.
  • Maintain at least a  "C" average in all school work through the 12th grade.
  • Have no serious arrests or convictions.
  • Maintain good moral character.
  • Pass an oral interview.
  • Pass a background investigation.
  • Demonstrate willingness to serve and participate in Explorer activities.

Requesting Explorer Services

If a person, company or group wishes to use Explorer services for child identification (fingerprinting only), or any other event we can work, you must schedule no less than three (3) months in advance by calling 480-644-4000.  If you have any questions on what type of events we can assist with, please call (480) 644-4000.

What We Are Not

The Mesa Police Explorer Post is not a program for "at risk youth." An applicant cannot have any arrests and/or convictions for felonies or serious misdemeanors (i.e., domestic violence). A member must be able to work independently and with other Explorers, Explorer Supervisors and Police Officers. The public will hold them to the same standard as police officers and they must be able to conduct themselves in a similar manner. An applicant must be reasonably physically fit and able to stand for long periods and work in various weather conditions.

Training
 

Explorers are trained in many different areas of police work. They receive an overview of areas such as:
  • Firearms Safety
  • Traffic Control
  • Radio Procedures
  • Accident Investigation
  • First Aid
  • Traffic Laws
  • Criminal Laws
  • Crime Prevention
  • General Police Procedures
  • Physical Conditioning

Explorer Photo

Chief's Message

As a young adult I'm sure you're thinking about your future and what career you would like to pursue. If you want a career that is fun, exciting, fulfilling, and allows you to help others, think about a career in law enforcement. What better way of finding out if a career in law enforcement is for you than becoming a Mesa Police Explorer. Today you have a great opportunity to participate in a program to make your career decision easier and help prepare you for your future. The Mesa Police Explorer Program allows young men and women to explore various areas of law enforcement from first hand experiences. Join our team! Become a Mesa Police Explorer!

Explorer Photo

Application Process

  • Obtain an application packet.
  • Complete the application and bring it to an Explorer meeting.
  • Complete and pass an interview.
  • Complete a willingness questionnaire.
  • Pass a background investigation.
  • Explorer staff and advisors make a determination on acceptance or non-acceptance.

 

Upon acceptance into the Explorer program, new members are placed on probation for a period not to exceed six months. During this period the Explorer must actively participate in all Explorer meetings and activities. Failing to participate will result in their removal from the program. They must also maintain good grades in school, have no involvement in criminal activity, and maintain a good driving record to remain in the program.

The Police Explorers are representatives of the Police Department and must conduct their private and professional lives in such a manner as to avoid adverse reflection on the program and/or the Police Department.

Conferences and Competitions
 

Each year, usually during the summer months, Explorers are able to attend conferences and competitions in different areas of the United States. Some of the conferences that the Mesa Police Explorers have attended have been held in Lake Tahoe, Nevada; Washington, D.C.; Redding, California; Ontario, California; and Needles, California  to name a few.

Attending these trips gives the Explorers an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge they have learned during their training. Some of the competitions that the Explorers participate in are: 

Explorer Photo

  • Domestic Crisis Intervention
  • Traffic Accident Investigation
  • First Aid
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Report Writing
  • Bomb Threat Response
  • Building Search
  • Traffic Stops
  • Obstacle Course / Physical Agility

Occasionally the Explorers are able to go on trips just for fun and to get away from all the stress of school and work. These trips have taken them to places such as Sunrise Ski Resort, Disneyland, Universal Studios, or just camping in Northern Arizona.

In order to be eligible to attend these trips and conferences an Explorer must be active and in good standing in the program. They also must participate in fund raising activities to help raise money for the activities.

Explorers meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.  Meetings are held at the Public Safety Training Facility and typically last 2 hours. Click here for map. Please call 480-644-4000 to verify there is a meeting scheduled before attending.

For more information or to receive an application, call (480) 644-4000. You may also download the application packet by clicking here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).