The Bell Police Explorer Program gives teens the opportunity to assist the Police Department with non-hazardous tasks, and provides an opportunity for youth to develop tools to succeed in life, regardless of their ultimate career goal. The Bell Police Department allows Explorers an opportunity to learn how a police department operates, teaches key policing skills, and exposes Explorers to the police profession by allowing them to participate in Ride-alongs with Police Officers, Firearms Training, and Arrest and Control Techniques. As part of their training, Explorers are also required to volunteer in civic and resident life affirming the importance of community policing.
Access the Explorer Program Flyer(PDF, 974KB).
Program Benefits
Exploring is a career education program sponsored by Learning for Life. Participants will:
- Engage in practical, real and meaningful hands-on experiences
- Develop career and personal skills
- Gain insight into future vocations
- Discover opportunities to help others
- Find a positive alternative to harmful youth activities, such as drug abuse and gang involvement
- Learn how to be an effective member of the community
Eligibility
To become an Explorer, young men and women between the ages of 14 and 19 must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least a "C" (2.0) grade point average on the last two report cards;
- No physical handicaps that could cause injury to himself/herself or jeopardize other program participants;
- Must not have had any serious contacts with the police: no arrests and no convictions.
Meetings
Meetings are held every other Thursdays from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Bell Police Department; for more information please email Administrative Sergeant Marisol Marron at mmarron@cityofbell.org
Each applicant must pass an oral interview, background investigation, and medical examination and successfully complete the Explorer Academy in order to obtain permanent Explorer status. After completion of the Academy, Explorers attend monthly meetings and participate in assigned details.