The Chandler Police Explorers is a volunteer organization that works with the other members of the Chandler Police Department. Our members are between 14 and 20 years old, and provide support to any division that asks our assistance. For example, Explorers will work with Crime Prevention officers at special events to interact with children, help pass out informational literature or act as McGruff the Crime Dog.
Chandler Explorers also serve the community by taking part in events throughout the city. Explorers have assisted in the registration of bicycles, promoting bicycle safety at bicycle rodeos and acting as a security measure at larger events while working with uniformed officers. For example, Chandler Explorers almost exclusively handle all reports of lost children at such events as the Chandler Ostrich Festival or the Old-Fashioned 4th of July event.
In addition to all this, Explorers also provide a community service to entities outside the police or other city departments. Chandler Explorers have been asked to assist persons or families with cleaning up vacant and unsightly areas of the city, cleaning up in or around homes after significant events and promoting kind acts.
Explorers are provided a number of opportunities to develop into leaders. The program offers a ranking structure similar to the police department. In order to promote, the Explorer needs to demonstrate they can handle the responsibilities of the position. At an entry level, this is done in a number of ways, but most commonly by following through on your word. The post has a number of events (called Details) every month. Simply signing up to be there, wearing the appropriate uniform, showing up on time and doing the best job you can tells us a lot. It shows us comprehension, dedication, follow-throw, and a desire to serve.
Other benefits include learning opportunities similar to that of a new officer in training. When a new officer is hired, and after graduating the academy, they go through field training. Field training begins with an observation week, when the new officer watches a training officer go through the day-to-day functions of a police officer. After that, the new officer is expected to handle the calls for service with guidance from the training officer. As an Explorer, you are welcome to ride with an officer and watch them do their job. Questions are not only encouraged, but expected. As the Explorer develops more and more experience on ride-alongs, they are usually then given an opportunity to take one some of the responsibilities of the officer. These might include filling out forms, speaking with witnesses and operating some of the equipment in the patrol cars.
Explorers also engage in team exercises such as camping, rock climbing, laser tag and more. They also have opportunities to go to Competitions where they can compete in law enforcement tactics and encourage one another on.
Together, time spent as a Chandler Police Explorer gives you not only practical experience as a police officer, but develops your ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, solve problems and gain life experience. Whether becoming a police officer or not, these are all good skills for anyone’s future.
The Explorers hold a meeting every Tuesday at 1900 hours (7pm). Meetings on the first and third Tuesday of the month are considered general meetings, and all explorers are expected to attend. The meetings on the second and fourth (and occasionally fifth) are Physical Training (or PT) days. These PT meetings are not mandatory, but attendance is strongly encouraged for not only physical fitness, but also camaraderie.
Most often, meetings are held at the Chandler Police Department Desert Breeze Sub-Station at 251 N. Desert Breeze Bl. Meetings begin at 1900 hours and usually end at 2100 hours (7pm-9pm).
Of Course! The job of a police officer is not always safe. We understand that you may have a lot of questions about what your child may be getting involved in. We welcome any parents or guardians to come to a couple of the meetings, learn what we are about and the opportunities your child may have. Though we are happy to give them every positive experience we have to offer, we don’t want to do it without your knowledge or understanding.
The Chandler Police Explorers are a non-profit organization that accepts donations that we can use to further the development of our young adults or the mission of the Chandler Police Explorers. If you would like to know more about how you can support the Chandler Police Explorer Program, please contact Officer McIlveen by phone or email at:
480-782-4874
Andrew.McIlveen@chandleraz.gov