Program Overview

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 a 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 that Explorers must complete within a year of joining the Explorer program. The academy includes drills, physical fitness, and academic training on K-9 teams, bomb squad, air support, DUI Investigation, gang enforcement, criminal law, and SWAT.

Upon completion of the academy, Explorers can participate in monthly patrol ride-a-longs 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 barbecues. 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. 

Irvine Police Explorers Mission Statement

The mission of the Irvine Police Explorers is to stimulate the interest of today’s youth in law enforcement practices and the Explorer Code of Ethics, promote self-confidence and responsibility, and provide specific services to the community.

Irvine Police Department Core Values

Integrity
Quality Service
Accountability
Respect

Program Requirements

Law Enforcement Exploring is open to teens ages 14 through 18 years old. All 14-year-old participants must have already graduated from the eighth grade.

Other eligibility standards include:

• A ‘Hold Harmless and Release’ form for IPD must be signed by the parents or legal guardian and/or the Explorer if of legal age.
• Must not have a prior conviction for a criminal offense or serious traffic offense.
• Must have and maintain a minimum of a C or better in every class while in high school to remain in the program.
• Must complete Police Explorer Academy and the six-month introductory period.
• Must undergo a thorough background review to assess character and integrity that may include interviews with neighbors, teachers, and employers.
• Must keep body weight in proportion to height and maintain a high level of physical fitness.

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 6 PM to 8 PM 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.

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 attending 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 for 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: