MPD Explorer Post now recruiting

Maricopa Police Department is looking for several young ladies and men for their Explorer Program.

Explorers will participate in special events and community projects in Maricopa. They will also learn about Arizona laws, get law enforcement training and build leadership skills, including integrity and ethics.

They will see what being a police officer is really like. Many youth are under the impression that it’s what they see on television, but they soon learn it’s really not like that at all. It is much harder.

Currently there are four officers including a sergeant who serve as advisors and mentors to the youth that are involved in the program. They are Sgt. Stephen Judd, officers Irene Walker, Rob Wenderoth and Victor Valenzuela.

MPD Officer Chris Evans, who is also one of the Explorer Post advisors said, “We have just within the last two months got on our feet and got going. Kids Day America was our first community event; we’ve had a few training sessions and recently completed fingerprint training.”

Evans explained the criteria for becoming an Explorer. “Applicants need to be between the ages of 14 and 20. There are certain requirements they have to meet as far as academics, such as grades no lower than a C average. There is a background packet they fill out, and then a background check is conducted. Following that is an interview process they go through and an oral board. We make it as realistic as possible, just like they are going to be hired on a police department. We simulate the process to give them that experience because, for the most part, these young people are wanting to be police officers and to get involved in law enforcement when they get older. This gets their foot in the door; it gives them a taste of the profession.”

“Our training varies; we are currently presenting the history of law enforcement to the post. We are in our infancy still and have so much training material and subjects to cover, everything from police radio codes to building searches, to maintaining a sense of honor in one’s life. Just like in regular police work, by the time one went over and learned everything there is to know relating to law enforcement, that person would have forgotten what he/she first learned. It’s an ongoing process,” Evans added.

Meetings are held twice a month, every other Tuesday. The next meeting will be Sept. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Maricopa Fire Department training room off John Wayne Parkway across from the Shell station.

At the upcoming meeting, according to Evans, “We will be testing for our Explorer Post command staff. We need a post commander and two post lieutenants, as well as three sergeants. Those who aren’t testing will be invited to stay and take part in physical training. We strongly encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for our Explorers, in order to better prepare them for a career in law enforcement.”

“First and foremost we want to be community-minded. Anytime we can get out and benefit the community, we’re going to do so,” said Evans.

For more information about the Explorer Program, or to apply, contact Judd at 520-316-6882. Maricopa Police Explorers have both Facebook and Myspace Web sites as well.

Photo by Brandi Stange