MPD hosting first Explorer Program meeting

Maricopa’s police department will hold its first Police Explorer Program meeting July 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Butterfield Elementary School Library.

The meeting will be informational in nature and is open to all members of the public. A parent or guardian must accompany any youth interested in the Explorer post. Program advisors, Officer Robert Wenderoth, Officer Chris Evans and Officer Irene Walker, will give a short presentation and be available to answer questions (see related story).

Explorers are police volunteers and, as a result, certain criteria must be met. Prospective Explorers must live in the boundaries of, or in close proximity to, the city of Maricopa. Prospective Explorers must be at least 14 years of age and no older than 20 years of age at the time of application. Prospective Explorers over the age of 18 need not be full-time students but must possess at least a G.E.D.

Prospective Explorers under the age of 18 must be enrolled full time in school and maintain at least a “C” (2.0) grade point average with good moral character and satisfactory citizenship. They should not have felony or serious misdemeanor charges, which would eliminate them from consideration as a police officer.

Prospective Explorers must complete a written application and an oral interview conducted by advisory staff.

Youth begin with probationary Explorer status, receiving training at the twice a month meetings on everything from parking cars to how to investigate a homicide. “This program puts youth on the fast track to a career in law enforcement,” Wendroth said earlier.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Sgt. Stephen Judd at 520-316-6882.

If you go:

What: MPD Police Explorers Program informational meeting
When: Monday, July 28; 6:30 p.m.
Where: Butterfield Elementary School library, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.

File photo