CHP explorers

[SR-25]

What exactly do the CHP explorers do? How long is their academy, etc.?

[cal911gal]

Exploring began as an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America, essentially as a job-exploration program. Young men and women undergo training that teaches them about being an officer and particpate in activities related to their career. Our explorers have obligations they must meet, in the form of their training and detail time. They are required to attend post meetings and various level academies. They assist with non-confidential duties in the office (answering phones, etc.), go on ride alongs, participate in parking and traffic control details at parades and special events. The post as a group often enter competitions in which the kids compete in events like shooting, arrest methods, obstacle course, traffic stops and officer safety, and EVOC driving.

For a look at Exploring:

http://www.chp.ca.gov/recruiting/html/explorers.html
http://www.learning-for-life.org/exploring/lawenforcement/index.html

If you're the right age, and serious about being with the CHP, I would encourage you to apply for your local Explorer post, and give it 110%. It will help you prepare for the Academy, plus, it looks good on a resume or college application because it's "community service".

I was an explorer years ago for Ventura Co Sheriff - and it was some of the most fun I have ever had. I've not been directly involved in the Explorers on our dept, mainly because my office no longer has a post.

Hopefully, one of the officers here is an advisor, and can post more specific to CHP Explorers.

[nobody33]

What exactly do the CHP explorers do? How long is their academy, etc.?

At my post, weekely meeting with various training. Competitions, traffic control, ride alongs, office work, dispatch sit a longs, air ops ride a longs, etc etc. 4 academies, level one is several weekends, level 2 is first aid, level 3- 9 days live in, level 4 a week live in. Not sure when they did a level 4 though last. How much you do will depand on your post. Only a few stations still have explorers. I think San Diego does. Oceanside at least used too.

The level 3 academy was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. It was intense.

I was a CHP explorer for 3 years. It was great. When I went for my oral, they seemed more impressed with that than my degree. I got a 95.

[CHP Explorer]

Oceanside is still here. I am the Lt. San Diego is gone form what I hear.

[Exp.Lt.]

nobody33 pretty much summed it up. I'm the Explorer Lt. there and I've been with the program going on six years this may. If i don't get into the academy before Iturn 21, then I will be too old, but will be an advisor.

If someone is under 21 and is seriously intrested in becoming a CHP Officer, I would join the program. It gave me a really good idea of what it's really like being an officer, with the ride a longs and all. when i was sixteen i got in a car accident on my ride along, a deuce hit rear ended us at a light right after supper. I have met so many people, and the adivosrs teach you not just the fundamentals of being a chp officer, but personal and moral qualities you live my your whole life, regardless of your profession. Not to mention you get great references, and you meet a lot of people. Commisioner Brown's daughter was in our post a couple of years ago, and before he was promoted, he would come down to the officer and check out how or meetings went and came to our open house.
Its an experience of a life time. With all the community serivce you put it, it sometimes feels thankless. But, you have to look at it as an internship, it pays off. Everysingle Explorer in my post that has persued a career as a police officer * most just drop the program* have become one. One of them is actually working up at the Academt as part of the staff, and There's a Cadet that is graduating next class. There are three of us from our post currentlyin the process, and we haven't done anything like drinking out of a flask ( no offence) or stealing, I know its just a matter of time before we get on the department, and all those times we worked and never got paid, will be nothing when we're driving those patrol cars in that tan uniform. None of the offiers that were explorers regreted being in the program, and whoever joined in the future, I'm sure would feel the same way. - my pic, is a pic with a now deputy sheriff at a mock, drug bust a couple years ago, running, yelling, taking people 10-15. How fun is that, at 17 ??

[TheForceCHP]

Is there any way to become involved if you are 21 or older? I am an Eagle Scout if that helps any.
The reason that i ask is that i am currently about to start backgrounds and am looking for anything that will help me when i get to the academy. i am doing my ride-alongs and such, but i only wish that i had know that eventually i would do CHP because i would have jumped into the explorer program right after i got my Eagle.

[nobody33]

nobody33 pretty much summed it up. I'm the Explorer Lt. there and I've been with the program going on six years this may. If i don't get into the academy before Iturn 21, then I will be too old, but will be an advisor.

If someone is under 21 and is seriously intrested in becoming a CHP Officer, I would join the program. It gave me a really good idea of what it's really like being an officer, with the ride a longs and all. when i was sixteen i got in a car accident on my ride along, a deuce hit rear ended us at a light right after supper.

Wow you must be the most senior explorer in the state! I remember the MIS for that accident being read to our meeting when I was an explorer several years ago if it's the same one. I agree with what you said, I can't think of any other program besides explorers that lets youth not only see, but participate, in a career like LE so much. To answer Theforces question, no you have to be 16-20. They let people stay in longer, but you have to start before that. Maybe check out your local PD/SO reserve program.

[not5150]

If you are under 21 and interested in law enforcement.. join the CHP explorers. It's seriously the most fun you can (legally) have at that age.

Ride-alongs rocked, the academy rocked, the food at the academy... erm didn't rock.

[john2190]

Is there any way to become involved if you are 21 or older? I am an Eagle Scout if that helps any.
The reason that i ask is that i am currently about to start backgrounds and am looking for anything that will help me when i get to the academy. i am doing my ride-alongs and such, but i only wish that i had know that eventually i would do CHP because i would have jumped into the explorer program right after i got my Eagle.

If I remember correctly, and I will check the official explorer guidelines, you can become an adult, non-sworn advisor if you are 21 years or older. I can tell you for sure that prior explorers can do this, as one of our "aged out" explorers is a non-sworn advisor, but not 100% sure about non-prior explorers.

As for the explorer program itself, it rocks! I can out on ride alongs, help out at DRE sweeps, DUI Task Forces and Check Points, PR Events, etc. Explorers also receive excellent training with the four (OK 3 because level 4 hasn't happened since '97) explorer academies. Level III was probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but was also one of the most rewarding. Not to mention the continuous training back at the office. We practice PMAs, traffic control, vehicle stops, felony take downs, all sorts of stuff almost every week.

BTW, not5150, the food wasn't that bad at my Level III...things must be changing :lol:

[Exp.Lt.]

for those intrested in the program and are over 21. The Explorer SOP does allow civilian personell be advisors. It would depend on who, but there should be no reason why someome in the process wouldn't be allowed too. Like I said if i turn 21 before I get into the academy which most likely i will. I'll be a civilian advisor. Being an advisor, I think will definately help when you do the QAP, just another thing to talk about, and as long as its good and CHP related, it never hurts

Which LevelIII did you guys go?- what year????
- ECTC I-02- The last class that was at Clark Training Center

and the food never rocked, lol. Gravy on everything and powdered eggs aren't exactly on the top of my list

[CHP Explorer]

ECTC I-05: AT THE ACADEMY. LEVEL 3

[john2190]

for those intrested in the program and are over 21. The Explorer SOP does allow civilian personell be advisors. It would depend on who, but there should be no reason why someome in the process wouldn't be allowed too. Like I said if i turn 21 before I get into the academy which most likely i will. I'll be a civilian advisor. Being an advisor, I think will definately help when you do the QAP, just another thing to talk about, and as long as its good and CHP related, it never hurts

Which LevelIII did you guys go?- what year????
- ECTC I-02- The last class that was at Clark Training Center

and the food never rocked, lol. Gravy on everything and powdered eggs aren't exactly on the top of my list

I was at ECTC I-05, and we were at the academy, so the food wasn't bad.

[not5150]

Mine was at the old El Toro Marine Base... food was really bad.

[nobody33]

Mine was at the old El Toro Marine Base... food was really bad.

Mine was Ben Clark the RSO academy in Riverside. Food was ok.

[Mase02]

Is there any way to become involved if you are 21 or older? I am an Eagle Scout if that helps any.
The reason that i ask is that i am currently about to start backgrounds and am looking for anything that will help me when i get to the academy. i am doing my ride-alongs and such, but i only wish that i had know that eventually i would do CHP because i would have jumped into the explorer program right after i got my Eagle.

If I remember correctly, and I will check the official explorer guidelines, you can become an adult, non-sworn advisor if you are 21 years or older. I can tell you for sure that prior explorers can do this, as one of our "aged out" explorers is a non-sworn advisor, but not 100% sure about non-prior explorers.

As for the explorer program itself, it rocks! I can out on ride alongs, help out at DRE sweeps, DUI Task Forces and Check Points, PR Events, etc. Explorers also receive excellent training with the four (OK 3 because level 4 hasn't happened since '97) explorer academies. Level III was probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but was also one of the most rewarding. Not to mention the continuous training back at the office. We practice PMAs, traffic control, vehicle stops, felony take downs, all sorts of stuff almost every week.

BTW, not5150, the food wasn't that bad at my Level III...things must be changing :lol:







I was in level THREE at the CLARK TRAINING CENTER and went to LEVER FOUR at the academy in 2000 right after the national explorer competition which was also held at the CHP academy. so not sure where you got "97" from... Their were only 26 Explorers in our LEVER FOUR class at the academy out of the entire state! It was a select few choosen by the state wide explorer SGT cordinator I believe his name was SHAW and I think he is now a LT maybe capt in the department...

[ExplorerSGT]

the food in sacramento wasnt that bad....just make sure you dont go for the pumpkin pie when you suck at PT...a certain someone from the staff office will thrash you:confused:

[kenny]

Dose San Jose have an Explorer office?

[john2190]

No, San Jose does not have an explorer post.

[kenny]

Dose an office thats near by have one? Like really close

[john2190]

There are only three Explorer Posts in Golden Gate Division:

San Francisco Area - (415) 557-1094

Solano Area - (707) 428-2100

Oakland Area - (510) 450-3821

The CHP website will tell you that there is one is Santa Rosa, but that post is closed down.

I would call the Golden Gate Division Coordinator for more info: (707) 648-4180

[kenny]

No those are to far thanks for the help!

[E53501]

I'm so glad I found this site. I'm the second CHP explorer ever joining Dec 26, 1999 (Wolf out of South LA beating me by just 2 hours). Out of the old East LA office on Wilcox. Originally a lientenant, I was also the very first non-sworn advisor. I pushed very hard to make that happen. I was the first to have the "advisor" patch on my uniform just under the "explorer" patch. (Do they still do that?) I was in the first level 2 academy at the Long Beach Naval Station ECTC 1-00. I was also in the second level 3 ETC 1-02. They did not have level 4 in my day. I rather enjoyed the food, now the PT staff was a different story!

I had the best time and while I tried and tried to get in (4 times) with just plain bad luck between hiring freezes and TC's (not my fault), I regrettably never made it. Think about it all the time though. The program really showed me what I was meant to do (even though I'm not doing it today). Highly reccomended if you fit. It sure made a difference on who I am today.

[jrg]

I live in central division and I read that Visalia has/had an explorer program.
A few people I know have said that it is no longer in existence.
I was wondering if any of you could verify this, and are there any other offices in central division that have one?
I am 20 years old and will be 21 very soon, but I was still trying to get any info possible.

It would seem that I'm too late since my written starts on October 4th... :doubt:

[not5150]

I'm so glad I found this site. I'm the second CHP explorer ever joining Dec 26, 1999 (Wolf out of South LA beating me by just 2 hours). Out of the old East LA office on Wilcox. Originally a lientenant, I was also the very first non-sworn advisor. I pushed very hard to make that happen. I was the first to have the "advisor" patch on my uniform just under the "explorer" patch. (Do they still do that?) I was in the first level 2 academy at the Long Beach Naval Station ECTC 1-00. I was also in the second level 3 ETC 1-02. They did not have level 4 in my day. I rather enjoyed the food, now the PT staff was a different story!

I had the best time and while I tried and tried to get in (4 times) with just plain bad luck between hiring freezes and TC's (not my fault), I regrettably never made it. Think about it all the time though. The program really showed me what I was meant to do (even though I'm not doing it today). Highly reccomended if you fit. It sure made a difference on who I am today.

Hurrah... another former explorer. I was in South LA.

Shootout Cheung :)

[ExplorerDad]

I live in central division and I read that Visalia has/had an explorer program.
A few people I know have said that it is no longer in existence.
I was wondering if any of you could verify this, and are there any other offices in central division that have one?
I am 20 years old and will be 21 very soon, but I was still trying to get any info possible.

It would seem that I'm too late since my written starts on October 4th... :doubt:


This is my first post here. Been a lurker for some time. Great board! Just thought I'd mention that the Explorer post in Visalia is alive and well. My son has been an Explorer there for almost 2 years.

[jrg]

This is my first post here. Been a lurker for some time. Great board! Just thought I'd mention that the Explorer post in Visalia is alive and well. My son has been an Explorer there for almost 2 years.

Wow, thank you for the speedy reply. I appreciate it greatly.
I will definitely have to give them a call, and try and set something up.
At least make an attempt to get more experience.

[82-EC-1]

I'm so glad I found this site. I'm the second CHP explorer ever joining Dec 26, 1999 (Wolf out of South LA beating me by just 2 hours). Out of the old East LA office on Wilcox. Originally a lientenant, I was also the very first non-sworn advisor. I pushed very hard to make that happen. I was the first to have the "advisor" patch on my uniform just under the "explorer" patch. (Do they still do that?) I was in the first level 2 academy at the Long Beach Naval Station ECTC 1-00. I was also in the second level 3 ETC 1-02. They did not have level 4 in my day. I rather enjoyed the food, now the PT staff was a different story!

I had the best time and while I tried and tried to get in (4 times) with just plain bad luck between hiring freezes and TC's (not my fault), I regrettably never made it. Think about it all the time though. The program really showed me what I was meant to do (even though I'm not doing it today). Highly reccomended if you fit. It sure made a difference on who I am today.

Do you have your dates right?? The Via Campo office was closed in early 1997 when the new East L.A. office was built on Corporate Center Drive, I remember this because I helped with the move. I was an Explorer from April 1996, till the end of 1999, when I gave up my Captains bars for the advisor tabs, I left the post in 2002, and returned for almost year at the request of our advisor when the post was reactivated (it had been dormant for a while during the budget crunch)

I did my Level III in August 1996 at El Toro, and Level IV in June 1997 at the Academy.

[Mac]

I'm so glad I found this site. I'm the second CHP explorer ever joining Dec 26, 1999 (Wolf out of South LA beating me by just 2 hours). Out of the old East LA office on Wilcox. Originally a lientenant, I was also the very first non-sworn advisor. I pushed very hard to make that happen. I was the first to have the "advisor" patch on my uniform just under the "explorer" patch. (Do they still do that?) I was in the first level 2 academy at the Long Beach Naval Station ECTC 1-00. I was also in the second level 3 ETC 1-02. They did not have level 4 in my day...
You definitely have your dates wrong. I was an Advisor and I started our Explorer Post (at another office in another Division) in 1993, and the first Level III our post attended was in '94 (at El Toro). The first Level IV at the CHP Academy that any of my Explorers attended was in '95, and there had been a couple Level IV Academies prior to that (they were conducted infrequently and irregularly in the early days of the program). Approximately ten of my former Explorers are now serving as CHP Officers, the first one graduating the Academy in 1999.

[not5150]

Yes, the dates are definitely off because I went to level 3 way before 1999. I think I attended Level 3 94 or 95. My shootout was in 1995.

Never did make it to Level 4, but heard you guys/gals had a blast.

[TX-DPS]

Oceanside is still here. I am the Lt. San Diego is gone form what I hear.

Ah my home for 10 years loved that place.

[wannabehp]

It's great to hear from some of the old explorers. I was in the Arrowhead office 865 and the Riverside 840. Of course, I was in the program as it was folding statewide. Luckily I promoted to captain before the post closed. However, it's great to hear there is still interest and hopefully, one day, the program may be able to re-start. I know many young adults found great enjoyment in the explorers.

[ExplorerSGT]

I was an explorer in Newhall during the freeze. We still ran the post we just couldnt do fundrasers or get paid for events...nor take patrol cars to competitions.

[not5150]

I was an explorer in Newhall during the freeze. We still ran the post we just couldnt do fundrasers or get paid for events...nor take patrol cars to competitions.

Yikes... so it was basically ride alongs and meetings?

Hmmm wait, that actually doesn't sound too bad.

[ExplorerSGT]

Yikes... so it was basically ride alongs and meetings?

Hmmm wait, that actually doesn't sound too bad. It wasnt!

[wannabehp]

I was an explorer in Newhall during the freeze. We still ran the post we just couldnt do fundrasers or get paid for events...nor take patrol cars to competitions.

That's a shame. Arrowhead was able to do fundrasers and we went to the river competition (Bullhead City, AZ). Later however, we were unable to raise funds for the Paso Robles competition in 04.

[E53501]

You definitely have your dates wrong. I was an Advisor and I started our Explorer Post (at another office in another Division) in 1993, and the first Level III our post attended was in '94 (at El Toro). The first Level IV at the CHP Academy that any of my Explorers attended was in '95, and there had been a couple Level IV Academies prior to that (they were conducted infrequently and irregularly in the early days of the program). Approximately ten of my former Explorers are now serving as CHP Officers, the first one graduating the Academy in 1999.

YES my dates are 10 YEARS off! Man how time flies! Joined in 1989 and Went to then Level III in late summer of '92. Sorry for the confusion!!

[Hankhiller]

ECTC 1-05 in the house! Explorers was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because of it, i was one of the guys in the academy that 21 while enjoying my oh so pleasant stay.

[kenny]

What ever happend to Gilroy? And it sucks San Jose dose not have an explorer post judging the size of the office

[23112]

Were any of you at ECTC I-2010?

[roaming_gnome]

What ever happend to Gilroy? And it sucks San Jose dose not have an explorer post judging the size of the office

We (SJ) attempted to have a Post, however, there was very little interest, like 1 or 2 Officers, that said they would help.

Exploring is not important to the department, and most Officer's I've spoken to do not want to have to deal with Explorer ride alongs, paperwork, or budgets.

Not to mention, not being able to get the time off or schedules adjusted to support the program.

[chpsto]

We (SJ) attempted to have a Post, however, there was very little interest, like 1 or 2 Officers, that said they would help.

Exploring is not important to the department, and most Officer's I've spoken to do not want to have to deal with Explorer ride alongs, paperwork, or budgets.

Not to mention, not being able to get the time off or schedules adjusted to support the program.

Our office has a much different approach. Our advisor, like most, is very dedicated to our Explorers and wants to help young people become Officers. He was originally an Explorer and credits the program with his success in the Academy. The paperwork, budget, etc. is really pretty simple once you get it going.

I'm proud to say I've been an Explorer advisor and have a number of good kids who went on to be great Officers and Sergeants with the CHP. For those that are interested, the program is a great way to find out if you have what it takes to be a CHP Officer.

[5246MPD4now]

Exploring is not important to the department


I think that's sad. Our department is going through a rough patch, but they don't want to drop our Explorer program. I know I don't want to see it go. I have had lots of fun over the years with them (even waking up at 0300 to do traffic control for the Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, I know some of the CHP Officers know about that!). It has a good backing by the staff and is very successful. We have almost 50 Explorers now, pretty big. It is indeed very, very time consuming.

Explorers are a very handy tool. If it wasn't for our Explorers, our department would be paying tens of thousands more a year in overtime to pay Officers what the Explorers do for community service hours. And if I'm not mistaken, there was an Explorer in the Bay Area (I think it was) that was on a ride-along and the Officer he was riding with, was shot and it was the Explorers actions (giving description and direction of travel) that caught the suspect. So Explorers shouldn't always be considered to be a nuisance and to be in the way. They can be very helpful, if you let them.

[not5150]

As a former CHP explorer, I can honestly say the program helped me. While I didn't become a CHP officer... the skills and discipline I learned made my Sheriff's academy a piece of cake.

It definitely does take a bit of ramp up time to get a post functioning and you really have to watch those explorers like a hawk sometimes :) But once you get a good group of Explorer sgts and up, then life becomes much easier for the adviser.

I've witnessed dozens of success stories in the explorer program. I was an LAPD explorer before I was a CHP one and our post captain eventually became an officer. He had been arrested for tagging a few years before and the judge gave him a choice of going to juvie or going through the explorer program.

There are kids out there that are on the edge of law and lawless. Sometimes a slight nudge in the right direction is all they need to succeed.

[wannabehp]

As a former Explorer Captain, I still miss the post every day. It was a lot of fun, a wealth of knowledge, and motivation for my future. While I was in the program, I watched many offices drop their explorer program for so many reasons. I went through 3 offices in four and a half years due to those various reasons. There are still a few officers who still believe in the programs and the kids. I can only hope that improves...
The experiences that I had in the explorers are what keeps me motivated during this long hiring process. I am able to keep my eye on the prize because I was already able to enjoy it.

[cain.vanessa]

I wish I knew more about this Explorer Program before I graduated college and went to the academy myself.

Is there a positive correlation between the success rates of former explorers at the academy? And how many Explorers eventually do go on to the CHP academy? I had two in my class. They seemed to catch on to everything pretty quickly.

[RealCopsWearTan]

From my Explorer days, five of us are now CHP Officers, two work for local police departments (with one currently testing for CHP), and one is a Federal Agent with Customs and Border Protection. In my current office, seven Officers are former CHP Explorers. I'd say the CHP Explorer program has a good success rate.

[CHP Explorer]

In my old explorer post about 25 or so have became an officer either with the CHP or local agency since it started in 1996.

[iwanttobeCHP]

I was an SO explorer for the County or Orange and being an Explorer has helped in so many ways. I strongly encourage anyone under the age of 21 who wants to become a CHP officer to join the CHP explorers as the advisors will help you get a job whether it be for the CHP or not. It's the best thing for a young person looking for a career in law enforcement. I have tons of stories and I wish I joined the CHP Explorers even though I'm still 20.
My advice to anyone at Explorer age:
Join an Explorer program do as many ride alongs allowed (I did 107), be observant, listen to the officers, anf figure out if this is something you would really like to do.
If you're going to party and the party contains illegal behavior, ask yourself, Would a Police Officer do this? Your answer should be NO.
Just keep yourself clean and out of trouble, get a job and go to school and have fun with your life. Don't do stupid stuff that can jeopardize you future career and always as important, INTEGRITY! just my advice as someone who wants to be a police officer as well but has a handful of advice. Good Luck!

[morematthew]

Does anyone know if they have started new Posts in Golden Gate, im out of Visalia Office right now?