The Irvine Police Department (IPD) Explorers provides teens who may be interested in a career in law enforcement with a comprehensive volunteer program, including training, competition, service and practical experiences. Character development, physical fitness, good citizenship, patriotism and volunteerism are integral components of the overall program. Through their involvement in the program, Explorers develop an awareness of the purpose, mission and objectives of law enforcement agencies.
The IPD Explorer program offers the unique opportunity for young adults to work alongside law enforcement professionals. Using training provided by IPD, Explorers provide traffic control, assist at community events and DUI checkpoints, and provide support to various divisions of the Department. The Irvine Explorer Honor Guard represents IPD by presenting the Nation’s Colors at events and adhering to flag etiquette.
The Orange County Explorer Academy is held twice a year. The academy is a 5-day, high stress training program which Explorers must complete within a year of joining the Explorer program. The academy includes drills, physical fitness and academic training on topics such as K-9 teams, bomb squad, air support, DUI Investigation, gang enforcement, criminal law and SWAT.
Upon completion of the academy, Explorers have the opportunity to participate in monthly patrol ride-alongs and respond to calls for service with Irvine police officers and professional staff in the field.
The Explorer program routinely participates in team building activities outside of the law enforcement training environment to build camaraderie. Activities include movie nights, Knott’s Berry Farm trips and barbeques. Annually, Explorers attend the California Peace Officers’ Memorial in Sacramento as a part of a weekend-long trip.
While the program exposes participants to a career in law enforcement, the desire to pursue a career in policing is not required. Many former Explorers now serve the City of Irvine as police officers, dispatchers, traffic investigators, and public safety assistants. The training and experiences gained in the Explorer program are skills that extend beyond law enforcement to building life experience, confidence, and friendships.
Explorer Program Commitment
Explorers are expected to attend meetings every Wednesday throughout the year to receive training. The training is designed to ensure an Explorer’s safety while working community events and to introduce Explorers to a career in law enforcement.
Explorer meetings are held at the Irvine Police Department from 6PM to 8PM each Wednesday; however, meetings are occasionally cancelled to accommodate school testing and breaks.
In addition to meetings, Explorers are expected to volunteer at community events in Irvine and throughout Orange County throughout the year.
The Explorer Program is a long-term consistent commitment. Most Explorers remain in the Explorer Program for the entirety of their high school career.
Irvine Police Explorers Mission Statement
The mission of the Irvine Police Explorers 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.
Irvine Police Department Core Values
- Integrity
- Quality Service
- Accountability
- Respect
Explorer Program Cost
The Explorer Program is free to join; however, Explorers will be expected to purchase several uniform items upon acceptance into the program. The totality of items amounts to approximately $250. These uniform items are the personal property of the Explorer and are kept by the Explorer upon resignation.
There are additional costs for trips and competitions; however, those are not mandates of the program.
How to Apply
Interested participants who meet the requirements outlined above are invited to attend our recruitment sessions, which will occur in June and January each year. Those interested in applying to be part of the Explorer Program must commit to attend three consecutive weekly meetings.
- Meeting #1: Introduction to the Explorer Program. The application will be provided at this meeting.
- Meeting #2: Applicants will speak with an officer regarding their submitted application and prepare for their background investigation. Applicants will be scheduled an Interview time.
- Meeting #3: Applicants will participate in an oral interview, similar to a job interview.
If you would like additionally information regarding the recruitment sessions and would like to be added to our interest list, please complete the below information: