Explorer Program
What is the Explorer Program?
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Explorer Program is a volunteer program for young adults from 14 – 20 years of age. The primary mission of the Explorer Program is to educate and mentor youth and provide in-depth firsthand experience in the field of law enforcement. The program not only offers young adults the chance to explore potential careers in law enforcement, but also provides them with invaluable experiences in character building, leadership development, and community service.
As an explorer you will gain valuable career building skills and experience!
VOLUNTEERISM
Volunteer experience can set you apart from other applicants for job and school applications. By volunteering, recruiters will see that you are ambitious and that you care about your community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Explorers serve the community in various ways such as directing traffic at special events, crime prevention programs, and assist field personnel in various support functions.
RIDE ALONGS AND OBSERVATIONS
Experience the daily activities and decision-making processes of law enforcement professionals firsthand.
CAREER ENHANCEMENT
Being an explorer will help you prepare for a career in law enforcement.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Explorers have opportunity to take on leadership roles within their program by holding positions of rank which mirror RSO and by being a mentor to new members.
LOCATIONS
Contact your local station for participating posts.
Explorer Opportunities
Sheriff’s Station Explorers
Station Explorers provide a platform for exploring diverse facets of law enforcement, fostering insights into sheriff’s operations, and honing leadership abilities. Common activities include training in law enforcement protocols, first aid, conflict resolution, and community engagement.
Training is provided by experts throughout the year and can include the following categories:
- Accident Investigation
- Arrest, Search and Seizure
- Building Searches
- Criminal Investigation
- Criminal Justice System
- Criminal Law
- Defensive Driving
- Defensive Tactics
- Defensive Weapons
- Domestic Violence
- Firearm Safety
- First Aid
- Hostage Negotiations
- Logistics
- Narcotics Law
- Patrol Procedures
- Peer Support/Wellness
- Physical Fitness
- Community Relations
- Police Radio Techniques
- Traffic Control
- Vehicle Stops
Dispatch Explorers
Enrolling in the Dispatch Explorer Post 9–1–1 prepares you to manage both emergency and non-emergency calls, navigate critical incidents, and familiarize yourself with the technology essential for aiding the community, deputies, and firefighters in the field.
Location: Ben Clark Training Center - Riverside
Training is provided by experts throughout the year and can include the following categories:
- History of Communications
- Criminal Justice System
- 911 Phone System
- Radio System
- Geography
- Interviewing Techniques
- Radio Procedures and Etiquette
- First Aid/CPR
- Patrol Procedures
- Fire Procedures
- EMS Procedures
- ICS System
- Hostage Negotiations
- Tactical Dispatching
- Domestic Violence
- Information Systems
- Crisis Intervention Training