CHP Explorers

[Exp.Lt.]

Confirming it's confirmed? and I have to agree with the person who said its a BOY SCOUT program. Last time I checked, I've never made a fire on a ride a long. It's much more than that.

[CHP Explorer SGT]

I just wanted to see if there was other CHP Explorers on this forum. And if so, did you go to Level 3? Level 4? and what class?

I when to Level 3 this last summer at the Academy. ECTC 1-05


Thanks

[nobody33]

Former explorer ECTC 00-1 here. Level III. It was at Ben Clark.

[ExplorerSGT]

i was in ECTC-1 04...First level 3 in sacramento

[Phil the Frenchy]

Would you excuse my ignorance but what is a CHP explorer ? Is it a "pre-cadet" or similar ?

[nobody33]

Would you excuse my ignorance but what is a CHP explorer ? Is it a "pre-cadet" or similar ?

Exploring is a Boy scout program in the US for ages (typically) 16-21. Most explorers are affiliated with a law enforcement agency or fire department, and it is a volunteer program that lets youth gain experience. At the CHP Explorers undergo several levels of training, do basic office work, ride along with officers in the field, fill out some very basic paperwork, direct traffic, and work a lot of public relations events. How much explorers do varies greatly from office to office, and only a few offices have explorers left due to budget cuts. Explorers wear a uniform with a light blue shirt and navy pants, and in the field usually only carry a flashlight and radio extender. They have no police powers, and are not paid.

Some CHP areas also have RSVP units- Retired senior volunteers. They do all kinds of work- one guy was like a volunteer auto mechanic, one guy was a computer guru, some did office work, others went on patrol in the field (no police authority but they could still direct traffic and find abandoned cars).

[Phil the Frenchy]

I see, we have no such programs in France, excepted for youngsters who are trained to enter in a firefighters academy after 3 years. I think it is a very idea to do explorers program.

[john2190]

I'm a CHP Explorer, and I'm also a graduate of ECTC I-05. CHP Explorer SGT, I love the quote in your signature; I remember that happening too. :lol:

[Exp.Lt.]

- ECTC- I03- at Ben Clark.

[TheForceCHP]

I am not a CHP explorer, but looking back i really wish i had the time to do it.

I am an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scout though!!! and the explorer program is associated with the Boy Scouts. Most police programs don't do a lot with the Boy Scouts, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a program that is associated with them.

[nobody33]

The CHP's association with the Boy scouts was for insurance purposes only. We all had to pay like 12 bucks a year, and we were covered.

[not5150]

Correct... It was mostly for insurance purposes.

I was an Explorer way way back in the days with South LA. Fun place and I can honestly say it helped me learn a lot, not just about law enforcement, but in dealing with people. When I went through Glen Helen (SBSO's Academy), I already knew most of the Penal and Vehicle Code. In addition, I did well in the report writing and scenarios. I'm ashamed to admit it, but my shooting sucked bad at first. However, the range masters worked with me and I was good to go at the end.

The level III academy was a blast - instructors coming in at 4 AM and throwing your stuff around. Wonderful food at El Toro also, non-carbonated/warm soft-drinks. I couldn't wait to grab McDonald's when I came out.

[Exp.Lt.]

Level III was one of the greatest experiences I have had. Getting thrashed for a flinch, a stare. AAhhh and the powdered eggs in the morning and gravy on everything; can't forget about that. The first thing my buddy and I did after we got out was Mcd's ha ha!

[bcjack]

I was a Police Explorer in...1969! I had a blast doing all of the great stuff a LE Explorer gets to do. The Explorer experience helped me a ton in my career as part of my job is Code Enforcement, Fire/Arson Investigation and all of that stuff. The LE training made it a lot easier when I went to the Police Academy to become a Reserve Officer, and when the Fire Dept. promotion came around. I had what they were looking for.

[Mase02]

I was a CHP Explorer for 5 years and worked my way to rank of captian and it was one of the best things I have ever done in my life! It is much more than just a BOY SCOUT program! Infact Iam kinda offended to be even grouped with them! Like it was earlier stated it was for INSURANCE purposes only nothing more! While with the Explorer program I completed LEVEL 1-4, Went to the Academy 2 times 1 for a NATIONAL competition and the 2nd time was for LEVEL 4 training in weapons shooting the SW-40, remmington shotgun, paperwork, FOTS, drill, DUI, AI, PR-24 training, EVOC training Driving patrol cars on the skid-pan, driving on the defensive EVOC course, driving around campus and doing scenarios, CPR, and many more things along with actual PT with the SR. cadets while we were their waking up 4am running, floor ex, and even taking part in the rolling around in the dirt next to the EVOC office because the SR cadets were being disciplined for not properly polishing the fountian the prior wed. Not to mention we got to take part in the weekly ceremony of polishing the names of our fallen heros. But along side tons of training I went on over 60 ride-alongs, and many many community service programs like toys for tots and chips for kids and so on and your right about one thing it is all voluntarily no pay. I would more describe it as a INTERNSHIP for a postion that you will one day obtain kind of like an sponge soaking up everything you see and learn! And as far as police powers you are totaly right! we had none! But let me tell you I got into some crazy excuse my french "SHIT" even fighting with a suspect at one point to help the officer make the arrest, along with testifying in 2 cases one being a DUI 3rd strike case as I was on a graveyard shift with 2 officers and was called as a witness. Along with a couple pursuits and much more. I must say it was a great experience and learned alot of things and got a very good insight to how the department works, paperwork, policy, and many more things but most of all seeing and taking part in the duties of what a CHP officer does on a day to day basis. Much more than a little BOY SCOUT. I think Explorers are taking for granted I put ALOT of BLOOED SWEAT and TEARS into the CHP and they do alot for the department for FREE and they add the the GREAT CHP IMAGE of wanting to work with the public and giving all law enforcement a better reputaion =)

[TheForceCHP]

I was a CHP Explorer for 5 years and worked my way to rank of captian and it was one of the best things I have ever done in my life! It is much more than just a BOY SCOUT program! Infact Iam kinda offended to be even grouped with them! Like it was earlier stated it was for INSURANCE purposes only nothing more! While with the Explorer program I completed LEVEL 1-4, Went to the Academy 2 times 1 for a NATIONAL competition and the 2nd time was for LEVEL 4 training in weapons shooting the SW-40, remmington shotgun, paperwork, FOTS, drill, DUI, AI, PR-24 training, EVOC training Driving patrol cars on the skid-pan, driving on the defensive EVOC course, driving around campus and doing scenarios, CPR, and many more things along with actual PT with the SR. cadets while we were their waking up 4am running, floor ex, and even taking part in the rolling around in the dirt next to the EVOC office because the SR cadets were being disciplined for not properly polishing the fountian the prior wed. Not to mention we got to take part in the weekly ceremony of polishing the names of our fallen heros. But along side tons of training I went on over 60 ride-alongs, and many many community service programs like toys for tots and chips for kids and so on and your right about one thing it is all voluntarily no pay. I would more describe it as a INTERNSHIP for a postion that you will one day obtain kind of like an sponge soaking up everything you see and learn! And as far as police powers you are totaly right! we had none! But let me tell you I got into some crazy excuse my french "SHIT" even fighting with a suspect at one point to help the officer make the arrest, along with testifying in 2 cases one being a DUI 3rd strike case as I was on a graveyard shift with 2 officers and was called as a witness. Along with a couple pursuits and much more. I must say it was a great experience and learned alot of things and got a very good insight to how the department works, paperwork, policy, and many more things but most of all seeing and taking part in the duties of what a CHP officer does on a day to day basis. Much more than a little BOY SCOUT. I think Explorers are taking for granted I put ALOT of BLOOED SWEAT and TEARS into the CHP and they do alot for the department for FREE and they add the the GREAT CHP IMAGE of wanting to work with the public and giving all law enforcement a better reputaion =)

WOW, now let me get one thing straight, i think that the CHP explorer program and all explorer programs are great.

BUT

i do resent how you put down the Boy Scouts. The Scouting program is top notch and is not deserving of somebody like you running their mouth about something they obviously know nothing about

[Mase02]

I in no way was trying to talk down to the BOY SCOUTS! But it is an entirely different work and program! I was a cub scout for 2 years when I was much, much younger and know some things about the organization. Don?t get me wrong I don?t know everything and not trying to say I do, but the 2 programs are geared entirely different then a Boy Scout program. You are not out their trying to earn patches, medals, or certificates but to learn a job that you want to very much be apart of after you reach the age to become an officer! The program is to give young adults an insight to the CHP and general law enforcement for those who are interested in a career in police work! I'm sorry but they are not alike, CHP is more of an internship to learn the policies, procedures, duties, and responsibilities of a CHP officer and to prepare you for a career more or less with the CHP! I would say 95% of all Explorers I have came across all want to be in law enforcement rather with the CHP or another agency, it is primarily all of our goals when we enter the program. A lot of money goes into the officers who work overtime to teach, train, and guide us through the process, along with putting on competitions and training programs. It is intended to also be a tool for hiring and molding young adults into mature respectable people who want to be in law enforcement. Sorry if you took it the wrong way but I?m not talking down to boy scouts just merely stating that they are not related and used for different purposes... I think what the BOY SCOUTS is a great thing and they do a lot of good things for the community and help mold young adults into leaders not followers. It gives them a lot of experience for future jobs and situations they might be involved in through out their life. Maybe I should have re-worded what I wrote to state that I don?t think they should be grouped together! I?m just not into the whole Boy Scout thing sorry man. Please don?t be offended I wasn?t trying to appear that way, and I know some things I wrote seemed that way! Once again sorry. =)

[not5150]

I was a CHP Explorer for 5 years and worked my way to rank of captian and it was one of the best things I have ever done in my life! It is much more than just a BOY SCOUT program! Infact Iam kinda offended to be even grouped with them! Like it was earlier stated it was for INSURANCE purposes only nothing more! While with the Explorer program I completed LEVEL 1-4, Went to the Academy 2 times 1 for a NATIONAL competition and the 2nd time was for LEVEL 4 training in weapons shooting the SW-40, remmington shotgun, paperwork, FOTS, drill, DUI, AI, PR-24 training, EVOC training Driving patrol cars on the skid-pan, driving on the defensive EVOC course, driving around campus and doing scenarios, CPR, and many more things along with actual PT with the SR. cadets while we were their waking up 4am running, floor ex, and even taking part in the rolling around in the dirt next to the EVOC office because the SR cadets were being disciplined for not properly polishing the fountian the prior wed. Not to mention we got to take part in the weekly ceremony of polishing the names of our fallen heros. But along side tons of training I went on over 60 ride-alongs, and many many community service programs like toys for tots and chips for kids and so on and your right about one thing it is all voluntarily no pay. I would more describe it as a INTERNSHIP for a postion that you will one day obtain kind of like an sponge soaking up everything you see and learn! And as far as police powers you are totaly right! we had none! But let me tell you I got into some crazy excuse my french "SHIT" even fighting with a suspect at one point to help the officer make the arrest, along with testifying in 2 cases one being a DUI 3rd strike case as I was on a graveyard shift with 2 officers and was called as a witness. Along with a couple pursuits and much more. I must say it was a great experience and learned alot of things and got a very good insight to how the department works, paperwork, policy, and many more things but most of all seeing and taking part in the duties of what a CHP officer does on a day to day basis. Much more than a little BOY SCOUT. I think Explorers are taking for granted I put ALOT of BLOOED SWEAT and TEARS into the CHP and they do alot for the department for FREE and they add the the GREAT CHP IMAGE of wanting to work with the public and giving all law enforcement a better reputaion =)

Ahhhhh..... my eyes!!!

[Tom]

Hey Force,

I'm a Eagle Scout as well. What was your Eagle project? I'll tell you mine and it will date me. I stripped fruit trees in my hometown during the MedFly pandemic.

Tom

[Lucky Seven]

I am an Eagle Scout also. I think both programs are excellent for our youth. The difference between them is fairly simple.

The scout program begins with Cub Scouts and then Boy Scouts. A male youth can only be involved until age 18 unless he becomes a scout leader. The scout program is designed to provide youth with a number of different skills that will not only help at their current age but will also lead them into becoming productive young members of society with morals, ideals, goals, etc.. It also teaches teenagers that they can accomplish tasks / goals if they put the effort out and stay focused on attainable goals.

The explorer program is/was designed to help young adults, both male and female, to research and experience career choices. The two programs are really not affiliated and should not have been compared as the diversity in programs is quite far apart.

[Chippysgt]

Least there be any doubt, I did what Sergeants are supposed to do and that is get the right answer. I am sure some of you already know about the connection of BSA and Police Explorers. Some may not know how far back the connection goes and how it is certainly a real connection not just for insurance purposes. The website was done by a police department in New Jersey but the facts are about the history of Explorers.
Too bad the Boy Scouts of America are getting such a bad rap in certain communities. But that is a topic for another day.

Cheers,
Brian

http://www.bridgetonpd.org/explorer.htm

[TheForceCHP]

Mase02, all is good


I got my Eagle back in 1998 when i was 14 years old. For my project i did some work at the church that our troop met at. the work consited of cleaning up an are around a large storage container that people often hid behind to have sex and do drugs(on church grounds mind you), i then painted the container, added a stone walkway up to it, and planted trees to help hide it.

Did any other Eagle Scouts here from San Gabriel Valley have the honor of walking in the Rose Parade? i did it in 1999

[CHIPY55]

From what I understand, the CHP explorers have'nt held a level IV academy in a few years. Level IV is the real exciting academy for explorers where they get to shoot at the academy range, and drive the EVOC course.

Level III is held every summer. Anybody know what happened to Level IV?

[Mac]

From what I understand, the CHP explorers have'nt held a level IV academy in a few years. Level IV is the real exciting academy for explorers where they get to shoot at the academy range, and drive the EVOC course.

Level III is held every summer. Anybody know what happened to Level IV?
I'd guess it has something to do with the size of the current Academy classes. There's no room in the dorms to billet the Explorers for a week of training - plus, I imagine the Academy staff has their hands full with the number of Cadets they're training.

[BoySergeant]

Ahhhhh..... my eyes!!!

Mine too... :shock:

[PTR-Jason]

I miss my time as an explorer. Although I was not a CHP explorer, but one with Riverside County SO out of the Southwest station (Temecula Police).

I got into the program right when I was 14. I knew I always wanted to be a police officer or a firefighter and in my lifetime I have done both. I was an explorer for 4.5 years, and also went to the very first explorer academy held by Riverside SO for all area agencies at Ben Clark (CTC) in 1998. Being an explorer, I never got into trouble and always knew where I wanted to go in life, even if I did mess around a little in school (skipping). :doh:

But after I graduated, I got into armed security, then tribal Law Enforcement, then moved out of state and became a sworn police officer in Arkansas in a very small town. Then moved to Indiana and became a state certified firefighter, and also work for IN Dept of Corrections as a Corrections Officer.

Now I am back in California started from scratch again, and working armed security, but going though the "Process" and passed my QAP.

I owe everything in my life to explorers, it is a great program for anyone who is young and trying to find themselves. You can "try out" the career and see if that is what you really want, the experience you gain will help you in any job you go to even non-LE or fire, and you will learn discipline, what the value of helping someone it, donating your time, and seeing smiles on kids when you are handing them stickers or fingerprinting them.

To this day, I have to make sure my gig line is straight, my uniform is free of strings/ropes, my uniform is pressed and looks neat. I take pride in my appearance and KNOWS that it stands for something beyond just clothing.
Even as a lame security officer, I still have to look professional, I have seen too many officers look sloppy and when I have to work with them, it is embarrassing. I owe explorers to making me realize that the job is more then just a job, it is a life style, a career and your life, and if you don't respect yourself how can you respect others.

[mikekristine455]

I just wanted to see if there was other CHP Explorers on this forum. And if so, did you go to Level 3? Level 4? and what class?

I when to Level 3 this last summer at the Academy. ECTC 1-05


Thanks

I went to ECTC 1-03 in Riverside. It was a Level 3 Academy. This was the greatest time of my life. Are they still hosting Explorer Competitions in Paso Robels?

Explorer Cadet Captain (Mariposa 455 Office 2002-2004)

[ExplorerSGT]

I went to ECTC 1-03 in Riverside. It was a Level 3 Academy. This was the greatest time of my life. Are they still hosting Explorer Competitions in Paso Robels?

Explorer Cadet Captain (Mariposa 455 Office 2002-2004)

yep!

[cg+fd2chp]

I miss my time as an explorer. Although I was not a CHP explorer, but one with Riverside County SO out of the Southwest station (Temecula Police).

I got into the program right when I was 14. I knew I always wanted to be a police officer or a firefighter and in my lifetime I have done both. I was an explorer for 4.5 years, and also went to the very first explorer academy held by Riverside SO for all area agencies at Ben Clark (CTC) in 1998. Being an explorer, I never got into trouble and always knew where I wanted to go in life, even if I did mess around a little in school (skipping). :doh:

But after I graduated, I got into armed security, then tribal Law Enforcement, then moved out of state and became a sworn police officer in Arkansas in a very small town. Then moved to Indiana and became a state certified firefighter, and also work for IN Dept of Corrections as a Corrections Officer.

Now I am back in California started from scratch again, and working armed security, but going though the "Process" and passed my QAP.

I owe everything in my life to explorers, it is a great program for anyone who is young and trying to find themselves. You can "try out" the career and see if that is what you really want, the experience you gain will help you in any job you go to even non-LE or fire, and you will learn discipline, what the value of helping someone it, donating your time, and seeing smiles on kids when you are handing them stickers or fingerprinting them.

To this day, I have to make sure my gig line is straight, my uniform is free of strings/ropes, my uniform is pressed and looks neat. I take pride in my appearance and KNOWS that it stands for something beyond just clothing.
Even as a lame security officer, I still have to look professional, I have seen too many officers look sloppy and when I have to work with them, it is embarrassing. I owe explorers to making me realize that the job is more then just a job, it is a life style, a career and your life, and if you don't respect yourself how can you respect others.

Thanks for sharing and good luck with the hiring process !

[Battlecruiser]

I was one of the first CHP Explorers to become an officer back in 1994. It definitely helped me out when it came to to apply for a job. I obviously think it's an excellent program for young men and women to get involved in. Glad to see there is still some programs left in the state.

[E53501]

I was one of the first CHP Explorers to become an officer back in 1994. It definitely helped me out when it came to to apply for a job. I obviously think it's an excellent program for young men and women to get involved in. Glad to see there is still some programs left in the state.

Awww I would have beat you to the punch by at least a year had I been able to stay on track.

Being one of the first 2 CHP Explorers (can you tell I'm real proud of it?) and now living in Paso, can anyone tell me when the competition is? I'd like to check it out.

Anyone know how to get a hold of my former advisor? I hear he's not a Chief (OMG) in Northern Division. I won't mention a name but if anyone with ties up that way can PM or email me, I'd appriciate it.

[mikekristine455]

Direct Link to Paso Robles Explorer Competition.

I will be attending as an observer, any one else?

http://www.prcity.com/government/departments/police/explorer-competition.asp

Just incase the link will not work,

http://www.prcity.com/government/departments/police/images/explorer_logo.jpg2009 EXPLORER COMPETITION

September 25-27, 2009

"America’s hope for the future lies in the youth of today"


The Tenth Annual Central Coast Law Enforcement Explorer Competition will be held at the Paso Robles Event Center (Mid State Fairgrounds) located in Paso Robles, North of San Luis Obispo on September 25-27, 2009. The Event Center is conveniently located just off Highway 46 East and US 101 (Please refer to attached directions), making for easy access from any direction. Download the Information Packet (http://www.prcity.com/government/departments/police/pdf/CCECPacket2009.pdf) including all the forms, directions and information needed to apply!
More information can be found here: www.prpoliceexplorers.com (http://www.prpoliceexplorers.com/). :popcorn:

[WannaBeCHIPPIE]

So is there a CHP explorer program with the Riverside county?

[mikekristine455]

So is there a CHP explorer program with the Riverside county?


Not to sure I have not been a Explorer since 2004, (I am now 22).

My best answer to that question would be to call your local CHP office in Riverside County and ask. My old Explorer post was discontinued in 2004 due to budget crunches.

If you follow the link that I posted for the Explorer Comp., It has info on Paso Robles Explorers.

Hope that helped some

[PTR-Jason]

So is there a CHP explorer program with the Riverside county?

Temecula CHP Office used to have one. Not sure if any others have post. We used to work with the Temecula Office when I was an explorer with RSO/Temecula PD 1998-2002.

[mikekristine455]

Just a curious thought....

Is there any explorers on this forum that atended the Paso Robles Explorer Competition during the years of 2002-2004?

I was looking to get in touch with a few old friends.

[ExplorerSGT]

Just a curious thought....

Is there any explorers on this forum that atended the Paso Robles Explorer Competition during the years of 2002-2004?

I was looking to get in touch with a few old friends.

i was there in 03,04,and 05

[mikekristine455]

i was there in 03,04,and 05


Which Office? Most of the Explorers from So. Cal looked, talked and performed so sharp and professional that I was thinking of conviencing my parents to move doen south to become a CHP officer down there!! LOL

We had a good team of guys, but our Office was the Mariposa/ Yosemite National Park Office so we didnt have a large amount of explorers.

[ExplorerSGT]

Newhall:smile:

[parrunk24]

i wish i would have been in an explorer program, but I am new to California. Explorer programs are the best and extremely helpful. :biggrin:

[motorpete]

Well said Mase02,

The explorer program was the best bang for the buck going. In the long run, it saved the Department hundreds of thousands of "opportunity cost" dollars by exposing young men and women to the real story about the CHP.

If an explorer participated and stuck it out, they would be able to determine if they could handle the long hours, an irate motorist in their face, the hurry up and wait, having very few holidays off to spend with your family and still willing to put their life out there "on the line" each and every day with little or no personal recognition of the long list of the little things that they do on and off the job.

The CHP would welcome anyone without stretched arms if they can work as a part of a team, understands, accepts and accomplishes their responsibility both on and off the job.

From the Departments perspective, if just one probationary officer decides "Ah, this is not the career for me" and either; quits or fails to make it off break-in, let alone probation, it has been worth the $100,000 savings to the Department. Also the young man or woman is likely still alive and free to live a long and productive life as is their beat partner and motorists out on the highways, freeways and unincorporated areas of California.

Obviously, it would be great to know beforehand if a person has what it takes to be a CHP Officer prior to the third night on the "yard," during their third phase. Although, I would get frustrated I have to admit it takes a lot of courage to tell your FTO, your beat partners, your classmates and the sergeant that you cannot do this job and you are quitting the department.:hitwall:

It is my opinion, based on my experience; the Explorer Program provides young men and woman from all walks of life, the chance to really see this career from all sides. This is so they can take a deep personal inventory of themselves and ask if they have the mustard to protect themselves, their partners and total strangers from all comers. This is why it is a great program to give young men and women the chance to learn a lot about themself and take a good look at a job choice which is definitely not for everyone!

:noidea:

[wannabehp]

Is there any explorers on this forum that atended the Paso Robles Explorer Competition during the years of 2002-2004?

I was looking to get in touch with a few old friends.


I went to Paso Competition in 2003, but I was a brand new explorer, so I went to observe. However, in 2004 we competed in the River Explorer Competition near Bullhead City, AZ.
I was with the Arrowhead office at the time. After the Arrowhead office closed their explorer doors in 2005, I transfered to Riverside. Made it to Capt. too. Best program ever. Hopefully I will get to do it for real very soon.

[not5150]

Here here motorpete, well said.

And for you youngins, talking about Paso Robles in 2003-2004... man I feel old. I went in 1995.

[23112]

Anyone going to the upcoming Explorer Academy?

[quaylie]

Anyone going to the upcoming Explorer Academy?


Is it at that ghost town in West Sacramento?

[2k1typeSH]

Anyone going to the upcoming Explorer Academy?

I will be attending that academy. It will be in July.

[David]

As far as I know, the CHP doesn't have any Explorers, just Expeditions, Durangos, and Tahoes. :think:




Sorry, I couldn't resist. :lol: I'm a car guy. :wink:

[alcezmee]

I will be attending that academy. It will be in July.


Good luck.Try to have fun and learn as much as possible so that when they do hire again you have a better chance. Looking back at my youth I wish I had these kind of oppurtunities but coming from a poor house hold I had to help with income and never had a chance to follow my dreams. But one day I will :))

[23112]

How'd the Explorer Academy go? Any reports or follow up from attendees?