EXPLORER POST #226
The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Explorer Program is designed to introduce teens and young adults to the various opportunities available in the field of law enforcement. Our post is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America and is coordinated by members of Sheriff Jeff Dirkse's staff.

As an Explorer, you will be trained in a variety of areas to help you better understand the field of law enforcement. The Stanislaus county Sheriff's Department has many unique and important areas of responsibility.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Explorers are required to attend regularly scheduled meetings as directed by the Explorer Program Coordinator. These mandatory meetings are typically held twice a month, usually on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 7:00, but are subject to change. All meetings are held at the Sheriff's Department on Hackett Road. Explorers accepted into the program will be required to attend the Explorer Academy as well as serve a six (6) month probationary period.

Explorers do not carry weapons or engage in direct law enforcement activities. They do not carry handguns, batons, pepper spray or other less than lethal weapons. Explorers are not peace officers and are not authorized to make arrests. The primary goal of an Explorer is to observe and learn from trained professionals in our agency. New Explorers are required to spend their first 32 hours working in the jail before they are eligible to ride with a deputy on patrol.

Most participants have the opportunity to learn in a wide range of interactive environments including patrol operations, investigation, custody facilities, records/technology, and administrative services. Explorers are given the chance to work side-by-side with a full time Deputy Sheriff while on patrol.

There are also many interesting and exciting special units with their own unique responsibilities. Explorers who have learned the basics and earn a position of responsibility often become involved in training and response by the following highly specialized units:

DIVE & SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAM
SPECIALIZED WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM
CANINE UNIT
MOUNTED POSSE UNIT
CORONER'S OFFICE
AIR SUPPORT UNIT
HONOR GUARD
IDENTIFICATION & CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION UNIT

HOW DO I QUALIFY?
The Sheriff has developed the Explorer Program for young men and women between 16 and 21 years old who have a serious interest in the law enforcement career field. Applicants must not be older than 20 years old when they apply due to the maximum age limit of 21.

Continuing your education is a must for everyone interested in the program. Applicants must be enrolled in high school or college and be in good academic standing. You must maintain a 2.0 grade point average. College students are required to be enrolled in at least 9 credit units. The Sheriff's Department will require education verification on a regular basis.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY?
Once you apply for an Explorer position, you will be required to pass a physical agility test. After passing the physical agility test, you will be evaluated in an informal oral-board interview. We ask questions about your interests, education and why you'd like to become a member of the Explorer team. If you are successful with your interview, a Voice Stress Analyzer will be administered and an employment background investigation will be conducted to make sure you have a clean record.

APPLY TODAY!


Fill out the Interest Form and Mail or Deliver to:

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
Background / Recruitment Unit
250 E. Hackett Rd.
Modesto, CA 95358
(209) 525-7044