STILLWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT

EXPLORER POST 2933

The Police Explorer Post program is an occupational experience post. This means the primary goal is to teach members about careers in law enforcement. While the Stillwater Police Department (SPD) is a municipal law enforcement agency, we also investigate (or explore) other areas of law enforcement such as federal, state, and other criminal justice agencies. 

What do Explorers do?

Police Explorers are exposed to the wide variety of disciplines and skills that are incorporated into law enforcement careers. At their bi-monthly meetings, Stillwater Explorers also receive a wide variety of law enforcement training just as the officers would. Some of this training includes forensic specialties, domestic violence intervention, and patrol tactics.

The Explorer Post also incorporates Police /Military style drills, including marching techniques and physical training. Through this training, Explorers are exposed to teamwork, leadership, discipline and respect. These drills are also displayed during competitions with other Police Explorer Posts.

What do Explorers do with this training?

Our explorers take on any number of responsibilities whether they're participating in special events or in SPD's Ride-Along program. Typically, Explorers assist during special events by providing traffic control and public relations information.

SPD's Ride-Along program allows Explorers the opportunity to be paired with a uniformed Patrol officer during regular shift assignments. Thus, the Ride-Along program offers Explorers the chance to gain practical knowledge and experience by exposing them to the day-to-day type of police work that our officers do. Furthermore, our Explorers might make public appearances by assisting with Crime Prevention seminars.

What are the goals of the program?

By providing hands-on training and practical experiences, the Explorer Post program hopes to:

• Prepare individuals who are interested in law enforcement careers to make an educated and informed decision about their future.
• Enlighten its members to the human, as well as procedural, side of law enforcement.
• Build character and discipline.
• Build community awareness and assistance to those in need.

When and where do they meet?

SPD's Explorers meet at the Stillwater Police Department. Their regular meetings are held at 7:00 PM every other Tuesday of each month. The length of each meeting depends on the activities scheduled for that time, but usually are 1 - 2  hrs in length.

How do I join?

Any boy or girl, between the ages of 14-20, and who has finished the 8th grade is eligible to join the Explorer Post. All you have to do is:

• Fill out an application
• Pass a background check
• Pass an oral interview
• Maintain an acceptable appearance and demeanor in keeping with the  Stillwater Police Department
• Maintain a C grade average or better
• Adhere with Explorer policies and procedures

If you would like more information about the Stillwater Police Explorer Post program, or are interested in joining, contact the advisors:

P.O. Box 1725 Stillwater, OK 74076
(405) 372-4171