I plan on beiing a cadet in the sheriff's department I have all the papers all I need to do is fill it out. But I was wondering if anyone knew anymore about it. Like What are some other things they do? What is the Washington Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors Academy (WLEEAA) like? Any info will help. I checked on the website and  made a phone call (No answers yet).

What I know of the PCSO Explorer's Program is that they run a training program covering some basic emergency response, non-LE related of course, and I know they also make a big push for cadets to cross train in SAR.

 

You can expect to be utilized for things like traffic control, parade details, etc. 

Hi Andrew,

I have been apart of the Explorer Program in my local city for around 6-7 months now and I can honestly say that the program I am apart of is easily one of the best tools for me I feel to help me achieve my dream career which is a Law Enforcement Officer. I know that all posts are completely different in operation and the way they function internally and with the department. Our department lets us ride with our officers 1/2 times a month and we can get out to help the officer on selective calls as long as we aren't in any danger. We do security on city events where there is a lot of people and not enough security guards to help control all of the mayhem. We get in free at HS football games to do security. We get to do community service and attend funerals for fallen Officers/Explorers. In our commitment to the post and Law Enforcement as a whole, it stated "Law Enforcement is not just a job, it is a way of life." which is completely true. If you are interested in doing some sort of Law Enforcement field then by all means sign yourself up, if your not committed, you don't show integrity, you cannot easily speak to general public or can't stand being under stress than I wouldn't recommend being an explorer. 

Exploring is more than just a "Volunteer" position. It alters your mind set on how the world acts as a whole. It gives you a view inside the departments and the men and women that serve proudly as our officers. Not everything that we get to do is fun, by all means everything we do is time consuming and if your not willing to give up weekends and social events with friends than your not ready to be an explorer. Exploring isn't a one night a week hobby, it is like a job. You will put in just as many hours as an explorer as you will working a part/full time job. You must be dedicated to become an explorer regardless of which type of department it is.

 

I hope that this helped you make your decision. I'm not telling you to not join the explorers program, I am just giving you a fair warning of what kind of things you will be doing and how much time it takes. If you think that something like this is for you, then by all means continue the application process, but if your not sure ask your post advisor if you could attend a few more meetings to ensure that this program is right for you instead of jumping the gun and figuring out that it's something your not going to want to stay committed to. 

Thanks and best wishes,

Austin 

Another question(: I saw on the pictures on the site that they had the portable radios while they were doing the excersise. Since there like not on duty officers I guess why would they need them. Thanks for the info guys I think I will finish all the paper work and send it in. I'm a really quiet person and have a huge interest in Law Enforcement and want to see what it's like instead of siting in front of the TV watching COPS all day (:

Hi Andrew,

I have been apart of the Explorer Program in my local city for around 6-7 months now and I can honestly say that the program I am apart of is easily one of the best tools for me I feel to help me achieve my dream career which is a Law Enforcement Officer. I know that all posts are completely different in operation and the way they function internally and with the department. Our department lets us ride with our officers 1/2 times a month and we can get out to help the officer on selective calls as long as we aren't in any danger. We do security on city events where there is a lot of people and not enough security guards to help control all of the mayhem. We get in free at HS football games to do security. We get to do community service and attend funerals for fallen Officers/Explorers. In our commitment to the post and Law Enforcement as a whole, it stated "Law Enforcement is not just a job, it is a way of life." which is completely true. If you are interested in doing some sort of Law Enforcement field then by all means sign yourself up, if your not committed, you don't show integrity, you cannot easily speak to general public or can't stand being under stress than I wouldn't recommend being an explorer. 

Exploring is more than just a "Volunteer" position. It alters your mind set on how the world acts as a whole. It gives you a view inside the departments and the men and women that serve proudly as our officers. Not everything that we get to do is fun, by all means everything we do is time consuming and if your not willing to give up weekends and social events with friends than your not ready to be an explorer. Exploring isn't a one night a week hobby, it is like a job. You will put in just as many hours as an explorer as you will working a part/full time job. You must be dedicated to become an explorer regardless of which type of department it is.

 

I hope that this helped you make your decision. I'm not telling you to not join the explorers program, I am just giving you a fair warning of what kind of things you will be doing and how much time it takes. If you think that something like this is for you, then by all means continue the application process, but if your not sure ask your post advisor if you could attend a few more meetings to ensure that this program is right for you instead of jumping the gun and figuring out that it's something your not going to want to stay committed to. 

Thanks and best wishes,

Austin 

 

+1 (former explorer of 5 years Warwick RI, Major)

Some explorer posts allow the explorer to use the radio to call in traffic stops and they may also use them for emergency situations where the officer is in trouble but may be unable to communicate with dispatch immediately.

Another question(: I saw on the pictures on the site that they had the portable radios while they were doing the excersise. Since there like not on duty officers I guess why would they need them. Thanks for the info guys I think I will finish all the paper work and send it in. I'm a really quiet person and have a huge interest in Law Enforcement and want to see what it's like instead of siting in front of the TV watching COPS all day (:

 

Radios are mainly used for events in my city. Although if it is a bigger PT Event (Physical Training) then they might need to contact the post advisor in case anyone gets injured. I'm not quite too sure.

OK, And do you guys go through firearms training

I've been a member of my local explorer post for several months now. I can give you a general feel of the entry process.

 

You will turn in your paperwork, often at a meeting so you can get a feel for what the weekly functions are like. They will schedule things like oral boards and, in my departments case, polygraphs. If you are clear through all of these stages you can start attending regular meetings. We hold bi-weekly meetings, one physical training, and one scenario training/orientation. Most posts only hold 1 meeting per week. I was issued my uniform within weeks of being accepted to the post. Expect, however, to pay for things like handcuffs, boots, flashlight, gloves, and OC spray. (make sure you ask what you can carry, some departments are more restrictive then others)

 

Shortly after I was admitted, I had to go through an academy to acquaint myself with functions necessary to participate in community service as well as key lessons and introductions to law enforcement tactics, culture, and practices. The academy was multi departmental and gave me the opportunity to meet with fellow explorers in other regions of the state.

 

Part of the academy was firearms training. We had a couple range days as well as in class training. There is no certification process, as ALL explorer posts will forbid you from carrying almost anything that is a liability (My department allowing us to get away with OC spray, and most will let you carry a pocket knife)

 

Radio's are carried often. You will be trained on how to use them for things like ride alongs and community service/crowd control projects. Just don't hit the orange button! lol

 

Good luck brother! If you are as passionate in a career in law enforcement as I am I know the academy and the post will be an awesome experience!

 

 

Edited January 14, 201313 yr by MTen

I'm actually really shy about talking to people I never met. But I do have a huge interest in law enforcmement.