Police Explorers

Program Overview

The mission of the Huntington Beach Police Explorers Program is to stimulate interest of today’s youth in law enforcement practices and the Explorer Code of Ethics; to promote self-confidence and responsibility; and to provide specific services to the community. The program is designed for character building, leadership development, teamwork, community service, and good citizenship.

The program provides education and firsthand experience in the field of law enforcement. The co-ed youth program is designed to expose young men and women, ages 14 through 20 (maximum age to apply is 19), to different careers in public safety. Through involvement, this program will establish and awareness of the complexities of law enforcement services.

The Huntington Beach Police Explorer Program serves as a potential recruitment tool for youths interested in law enforcement, while simultaneously building stronger community relations between the Huntington Beach Police Department, the youth, and the community as a whole.

Program History

In 1962, Explorer Post #563 was founded as a Law Enforcement Explorer Post. In 1982, the post became the Huntington Beach Search and Rescue Explorer (HBSAR). The program included personnel from the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) and Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD). The training focused on law enforcement practices and fire services.

In 2021, the HBSAR was revamped to meet the ever-changing world and community challenges related to law enforcement and fire services. The program was reorganized and shifted its focus to provide the proper training in the different disciplines. As a result, the HB Police Explorer and the HB Fire Explorer programs were created to provide the youth with more experience and extensive training. The HB Explorer program will prepare the youth who are interested in a career in law enforcement with proper exposure and opportunity to move into the public service career.

Qualifications

The Huntington Beach Police Department Explorer Program is open to young men and women who meet the following requirements:

Ages 14 through 20 (maximum age to apply is 19)
Currently enrolled or a graduate from High School
Currently maintain 2.0 grade point average (“C” average or better) in school work
Obtain a medical examination
Be capable of safely performing physical activity
Good moral character
No felony convictions
Pass a background check

Qualification Process

The process for those interested in the Explorer Program starts with the following:

Complete the online Interest Form. A Police Explorer Advisor will be emailing those interested in May 2022 to provide additional information on the program scheduled to begin in August 2022.
Attend the Police Explorer Information Meeting
Submit the Police Explorer Application
Submit the Hold Harmless Agreement
Provide passing medical exam

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the following: