City of Garden City, Michigan Police Department Center
Police Explorer Program
The Garden City Police Department has an established Law Enforcement Explorer Post affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. This successful program is designed to educate and involve young men and women in police operations and to interest them in law enforcement careers. Members of the Post receive police related training, go on patrol ride alongs, work varied duties within the Police Department, and compete with other Posts in police related competitions. Explorers also obtain an awareness of the challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement. Officers from the Garden City Police Department participate in the program as Post Advisors and are involved in the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of the Explorers.
Who qualifies for the program?
The program is open to boys and girls 14 through 21 years of age. The must be no older than 20 years on the date of their application. Candidates must have at least a "c" average in school and be of good moral character without any serious arrest record and a good driving records.
What Qualifications do I need to become an Explorer?
You must complete an entrance examination and background check, as well as get the approval of the Explorer Post Advisors and Department Staff. An interview with parents and a background investigation will be completed prior to final membership.
When does training take place?
Meetings are held every other weekend on Sundays. They usually last between one hour and two hours. During the meetings the Explorers will receive training in various areas of police work and prepare for the yearly state State Competitions. The group also attends a one week long camp held in Alpena, Michigan at the Alpena Air Defense Base. This camp offers daily classes focused on various areas of Law Enforcement; firearms training, domestic violence laws and arrest, crime scene investigations, building searches, and traffic accident investigations. Explorers are divided into platoons for the week. Each platoon has a drill instructor (police officer) that is responsible for the day-to-day care of the explorer. The explorers who attend gain a sense of accomplishment as an individual and as a team.
What are State Competitions?
This is a once a year event where departments from around Michigan gather for one weekend. The Explorers from Garden City compete in scenarios related to domestic violence, building searches, traffic crashes, and crime scene investigations.
Who do I contact to join?
Officer Bruce Shippe, Advisor or Officer Anthony Skolarus, Co-Advisor. At 734-525-8088.
The City of Garden City, Michigan City Hall Offices are Located at 6000 Middlebelt, Garden City, MI
