The Police Explorer Program is a program open to all youth from the community ranging from 14 to 21 years in age. The Police Exploring Program is sanctioned by the Boy Scouts of America, and is maintained and staffed by members of the Gardena Police Department. It is strictly a volunteer program that gives service to the Police Department and the community. The Exploring Program is a structured program that gives young men and women the academic and technical training needed to become future Law Enforcement Officers. The program also gives Explorers the leadership skills and self-discipline needed to become successful community leaders.

To become a Police Explorer, applicants must attend an Explorer Academy, which teaches the basic skills utilized by Explorers throughout their Explorer experience. The Explorer Program focuses on team building skills and unity, while teaching these young men and women to work together for one common goal.

The Explorer Academy is a discipline Academy that focuses on physical conditioning, reading, writing and comprehension skills, as well as interpersonal communications. The Explorer training also includes technical training utilized by everyday Police Officers. Explorer Advisors and Explorer Drill Instructors staff the Explorer Academy.

Once an Explorer Cadet completes the Explorer Academy, they become Gardena Police Explorers. Police Explorers provide a valuable service to the community by assisting in traffic related duties, fingerprinting of children for "Kid print" programs, Color Guard details for community functions and Administrative service to the Police Department. Explorers also compete in and attend regional and local Explorer Competitions and Fun Days. These competitions challenge Explorers in team activities and also in individual physical competition events.

To become a Police Explorer, one must complete an Explorer Application and return the application to the Police Department. Police Explorer Cadets will be introduced into the Explorer Program and attend monthly meetings, while being assigned to a Senior Explorer to assist them throughout their Academy training.

For further information, please contact Sgt. Steve Prendergast at (310) 217-6188 or email us.

“DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE, TRAINING TODAY’S YOUTH FOR TOMORROWS LEADERS"