Police Explorers

History

Established in 1995, the Salt River Police Department was the first Indian Country Law Enforcement Agency to begin a police explorer post. The program instructs youth from the ages of 14-21 about police careers. The first group of explorers were seven youth from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Purpose

The purpose of the Salt River Police Explorer Program is to give youth the opportunity to learn first-hand the duties and responsibilities of a police officer. The program is designed to orient youth about careers in law enforcement with a learning-through-experience approach. The Salt River Police Explorer Program provides valuable life skills such as teamwork, knowledge of state and tribal laws, respect for others, self-confidence, and work ethic. Once a young person reaches the age of 21, the goal is to assist them on their journey to become a Salt River Police Officer.

How to Join

There are no costs to join, registration is free for all applicants who are required to complete a short post application and have no serious criminal record.  The post meets every Monday from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at the Indian School Police Sub-Station. (No meetings on holidays) Participants must be between the ages of 14 to 21. Please contact Officer Graham, Corporal Stant, and Officer Brown at 480-850-8200 or 480-248-5761.

Training

Each meeting the explorers perform physical fitness training in a learning environment. Explorers are encouraged to progress at their own pace and to make fitness goals a part of their daily life. Scenarios are a big part of competitions, so we go over scenarios and other competition activities each meeting.   Yearly competitions include the following: sniper challenge, obstacle course, SWAT fitness challenge, five-man hostage rescue team, hostage negotiations, and ten-man high-risk warrant. Explorers have the opportunity to go on a ride-along with police officers. The explorers learn the police department’s ten codes, this gives each explorer an opportunity to understand some of the communication tools of police officers.

Activities

The explorers have a number of community and police events each year. Some of the events include: the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Community Pow Wow, Safety Day, Earth Day, Shop with a Cop, River Day, DUI Task Force, and other amazing activities. Whenever asked, the explorers and advisors are willing to assist the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.