Explorer Post 542

The Arroyo Grande Police Department Explorer Post 542 is an excellent way for teenagers and young adults to become involved with police department activities while serving their community. The program provides insight into and involvement in the training and job responsibilities of a Police Officer. It also serves as service oriented leadership experience that builds a better understanding of law enforcement's goal to protect and serve our community.

The Arroyo Grande Police Department is actively seeking teenagers and young adults who want to get involved in their community. The Arroyo Grande Police Department Explorer Post 542 is allied with the Boy Scouts of America "Learning for Life" program and is designed to give young adults an opportunity to express their independence in a productive and constructive way. Explorer Post 542 consists of young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20 or high school students interested in helping their community and building their own self-esteem. If you are truly interested in learning the responsibilities and functions of law enforcement, working in and for your community, building self-confidence, and developing leadership skills, this is the program for you.

Candidates are required to submit an application and participate in an oral interview with current Explorer Post Police Officer advisors. Candidates who are not yet 18 years of age must have parental permission to join the Explorer Post Program. Candidates who are successful in the interview and application process will undergo a brief background and criminal history check and have the option to attend a two-week Explorer Post Academy at Righetti High School in Santa Maria in July of each year. Candidates must normally have a 2.0 GPA and a school attendance record without excessive absences to apply for and remain a member of the Explorer Post Program.

Police Explorers will participate in many different and exciting activities including crowd and traffic control for community events; patrol ride-alongs; station and front desk help at the police department; regional and national Police Explorer conferences; training in several areas of law enforcement including high risk vehicle stops and arrest and searching techniques; and providing vital help in emergency situations. The Arroyo Grande Police Department Explorer Post 542 participates in the annual "Central Coast Explorer Competition" held the last weekend of October in Paso Robles at the Mid-State Fairgrounds. There are over 40 different Explorer Posts from California, Arizona, and Nevada that attend this highly competitive and challenging annual event.

If you are interested in participating in the Arroyo Grande Police Department Explorer Post 542 program please complete the online application and the Explorer Program advisor will contact you.