Police Department

822 - Police Explorer Program

The Santa Monica Police Department sponsors a Police Explorer Program. It is offered for youth aged 14 to 21, who would like to pursue a career in law enforcement as adults. Explorers are volunteers, but are completely insured while in training and on duty. After acceptance into the program, initial training takes place at a local training facility.

The academy consist of ten consecutive Saturdays and includes over 80 hours of instruction. Subjects such as firearms safety, narcotics control, police procedures, first aid, criminal law and community relations are taught. Satisfactory completion of the Academy earns the Explorer a basic first aid/CPR certificate and ten units of high school credit. In some cases, college credit can also be earned. After successful completion of the academy, Explorers assist police personnel by performing non-hazardous duties such as civic events, crime reduction campaigns, evidence searches, disaster assistance and community relations activities. The program includes weekly Monday meetings, training, ride-alongs and community service. For additional information on the Police Explorer program, please call (310) 458-2222, Ext. 5115 to leave a message. For additional information, please visit our website at www.santamonicapd.org.