LASD Recruiting Young Adults For Explorers Program

LA CRESCENTA, CA — The Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station is recruiting young adults for their Explorers program. They are looking for young men and women between 14 and 20 years old who are interested in exploring law enforcement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

The Explorers get trained in laws, searching and handcuffing, writing reports and handling calls for service (domestic violence, family disturbance, felony traffic stops, active shooters, assaults and more). When trained, they can go on ride alongs with deputies on patrol in La Canada Flintridge or La Crescenta, the press release said.

"Once the Explorer proves themselves, they have the opportunity to go on ride alongs at other stations throughout the county," the press release said. "The Crescenta Valley Explorers assist with numerous station events such as the La Canada Fiesta Days Parade, La Canada Turkey Trot, Station Open House, Haunted Jail and Volunteer Rummage sale."

The Crescenta Valley Explorer Post has attended more than 100 competitions, including those in states such as Arizona and Hawaii, to compete against other Explorers from around the country. The Explorers have earned hundreds of trophies and certificates for their participation in these competitions, the press release said.

The LASD Explorer Academy is a 12-week commitment, held every Saturday, and the next academy will start mid-February 2020. The Explorer Academy will be held at STAR Center in Whittier or College of the Canyons in Valencia.

The Post commitment is usually every second and fourth Monday of each month excluding holidays, school commitments, family obligations and more. The Post Meetings include training the Explorers on laws and how to handle different scenarios.

Past LASD Explorers have gone into the Naval Academy, Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Several have even graduated the Sheriff’s Academy and become Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff’s, San Diego County Deputy Sheriff’s and Los Angeles Police Officers.

Explorer applicants must have a 2.0 grade point average, be of good moral character, and have no drug or alcohol use. Those interested should contact Explorer Coordinators Sergeant John Gilbert at 818-236-4027 and Deputy Jeff Martin at 818-236-4026.