Boca Raton Police Explorer Program.pdf

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 31.03 EXPLORER PROGRAM Revised: September 16, 2013 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this procedure is to provide an overview of the Department’s Police Explorer Program and its activities, establish criteria for the selection of cadets,...

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 31.03 EXPLORER PROGRAM Revised: September 16, 2013 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this procedure is to provide an overview of the Department’s Police Explorer Program and its activities, establish criteria for the selection of cadets, and define Post advisor responsibilities and conduct. II. POLICY: It shall be the policy of the Department to provide an opportunity for youth aged 14 through 20 to learn and experience the various aspect of a career in policing. The Explorer Program provides opportunities for youths to: Work and train in different areas of the Department to help explorers gain practical knowledge and experience in law enforcement. Engage in activities that offer assistance to the Department and the community Help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorer Program cadets and advisors shall adhere to the constitution and by-laws set up by the Explorer Post. III. RESPONSIBILITIES: A. The Post will be assigned at least one Department advisor and one co-advisor. B. Post advisors shall follow the conduct policies set forth in the Safety First - Learning for Life Guidelines by Learning for Life. All participants in the Explorer Program shall sign a statement indicating they have read and understand these policies (see Appendix A). C. Post advisors shall be responsible for the recruitment of explorers. D. Post advisors and members of the Department’s Learning for Life Charter shall maintain up to date youth protection training. Effective: November 1, 2007 Revised: September 16, 2013 Explorer Program SOP No. 31.03 Page 1 of 5 IV. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR POLICE EXPLORER CADETS: A. Candidates for Police Explorer cadet must meet the following criteria: 1. Be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have completed the 8th grade a. Both adults and juveniles are selected by the Department advisor(s) for involvement in the Explorer Program. b. Color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, economic status, and citizenship are not criteria for participation. 2. Be enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary educational institution 3. Pass a background investigation 4. Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA 5. Be of good moral character. B. The final decision to accept an applicant into the Post rests with the Post Advisor(s). C. The applicant need not be a Boca Raton resident. D. Candidates for the Police Explorer Program may not be considered if they have any of the following disqualifying factors: V. 1. Any instances of dishonesty 2. A show of disrespect for authority 3. Multiple instances of truancy 4. Any act of moral turpitude 5. An arrest history. TRAINING: A. Cadets are issued copies of Post By-Laws and Constitution. B. Cadets will demonstrate knowledge of the standard radio ten codes and signals prior to ride-alongs. C. Cadets will complete training in fingerprinting, Records, the Crime Lab, and Communications. The number of hours to be met will be established in the Post by-laws. Effective: November 1, 2007 Revised: September 16, 2013 Explorer Program SOP No. 31.03 Page 2 of 5 D. All Post members will be provided training sessions and demonstrations at regularly scheduled meetings. E. Training topics are determined by Post advisor(s) and will be documented on a training calendar. F. Explorers may be offered the opportunity to attend a summer Explorer Boot Camp and/or Police Explorer Academy. G. Training topics may include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Traffic Stops/Enforcement 2. Felony Vehicle Stops 3. Building Searches 4. Criminal Law 5. Civil Law 6. Specialty Unit Functions 7. Physical Fitness 8. Drug Enforcement 9. Sexual Harassment 10. Officer Safety 11. Handcuffing Techniques 12. Investigative Techniques. VI. UNIFORMS: A. Uniforms will be issued to cadets after they have attended their third meeting. B. The following articles shall be issued by the Department: 1. Grey long sleeve shirt with tie (Class “A”) 2. Black long pants (Class “A”) 3. I.D. card 4. Baseball Cap (with Explorer logo) Effective: November 1, 2007 Revised: September 16, 2013 Explorer Program SOP No. 31.03 Page 3 of 5 C. 5. Polo Shirt (with Explorer logo) 6. BDU style pants 7. P/T Shirt (with Explorer logo) 8. Wind Breaker Jacket (with Explorer logo) 9. Black belt 10. Name tag (silver metal or as deemed necessary by the Post advisor(s)) 11. Binder including Constitution and By-Laws. The following articles are required at the expense of the Explorer cadet: 1. Black footwear 2. Black undershirt. D. Uniform articles issued by the Department will be maintained by the cadet and must be returned to the Department in a clean, useable condition when a cadet separates from the Post, either voluntarily or involuntarily. VII. POST ACTIVITIES: A. The Post may participate in certain functions throughout the year as a service to the community as well as a training opportunity to its members. B. The Post also assists with various activities occurring within the Department at the discretion of the Post advisor(s), for example: VIII. 1. Fingerprinting 2. Assisting with officer training scenarios 3. Assisting the Department with various other tasks. REPORTS: A. A monthly memo shall be submitted to the Explorer Post advisor’s district commander outlining post activities and monthly expenditures. B. A quarterly accounting of Explorer Post cash funds shall be completed and submitted to the chief of police or his/her designee. Effective: November 1, 2007 Revised: September 16, 2013 Explorer Program SOP No. 31.03 Page 4 of 5 C. The supervisor responsible for managing the Explorer Program shall submit an annual report, which will include a synopsis of activities, accomplishments, desired improvements, and a recommendation regarding the continuation of the program. Approved: Daniel C. Alexander Chief of Police Effective: November 1, 2007 Revised: September 16, 2013 Date: Explorer Program SOP No. 31.03 Page 5 of 5