What Does Our Police Explorer Post Do?

The program's essential function is to educate and involve youth in police operations. At the core of the program are the values that lay the foundation for success in life, such as honesty, courtesy, respect, and discipline. Mentoring and role modeling are also integral aspects of Explorer growth and development, which are accomplished through a number of avenues including one-on-one academic tutoring, character and leadership development, and career training. The organizational structure of the Explorer Post program closely parallels the organizational structure of the Police Department.

A typical day for the Post consists of physical fitness training, classroom instruction, practical application (hands on), and mock scenarios. There is rank and structure and general administrative duties for each Explorer. New Explorer recruits quickly realize that only the highest standard of conduct is acceptable. They also realize that they are held to a much higher standard than their peers. Some high points about the impact of the Explorer post program: two former Explorers, and one current Explorer are now working for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, two of which are employees of the Police Department (Concepcion Molina, Dispatcher and Estrella Balderrama, Community Service Officer).

All attribute their success and employment status to having been a part of the Explorer Post. That's solid proof that the program is working, and it is affecting the community in a real, positive, and genuine way. The Explorer Post is a nationally recognized program, and the Pascua Yaqui Police Explorer Post is ranked in the top ten in the Nation out of ten thousand Explorer Posts. Rankings are based on a number of criteria including community service work and overall Explorer participation.

Ultimately, the Explorer Post program is not so much about creating a pool of potential police recruits as it is about creating good quality people, responsible citizens, and future leaders. If an Explorer's goal is to become a police officer, the Advisors and Instructors are going to help that Explorer reach their goal. If an Explorer wishes to become a pediatrician, then the Advisors and Instructors will do whatever they can to help that Explorer as well. In the long haul, young people are choosing to turn away from a life of crime and delinquency through the dynamics of the Explorer Post program. As a result, all of society benefits.