CITY MANAGER' SREPORT
MAY 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
ITEM 5. 7
ITEM: PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW LATHROP
POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: City Council to Receive and Provide Input on the New Lathrop Police Department Explorer Program
SUMMARY:
The City of Lathrop Police Department ( LPD) is proposing an Explorer Program, as a youth development initiative aimed at engaging younger Lathrop residents and or students for those who have an interest in law enforcement or public service.
Tonight, staff will present the details of the proposed Explorer Program and is requesting City Council input. Staff will incorporate the input received and will return to City Council at a future meeting for the formal adoption of the Explorer Program.
Key Aspects
Participant Age Limit: Lathrop residents/ students between the ages of 14 and 20.
Minimum of five participants in each cohort with a maximum of 20 participants.
Purpose: The Explorer Program is an academic and mentorship program that provides participants with an opportunity to gain hands- on experience in law enforcement by shadowing police officers, learning from industry professionals, and participating in real -world law enforcement activities.
Activities: Explorer Program participants, or Explorers, will participate in classroom lectures, teamwork exercises, patrol ride -a -longs, fieldwork training, physical training, and interactions with guest speakers from various law enforcement sectors.
Explorers will also participate in community events and related Explorer Program competitions. These experiences aim to develop responsibility, leadership skills, and a sense of community service among Explorers while learning about the educational requirements for a career in law enforcement.
Requirements: Must be a City of Lathrop resident or student, parental consent, may include a background check, must be in good academic standing, and may be required to sign a year commitment to complete the program.
Applicants who have a prior conviction for a criminal offense are ineligible per the Law Enforcement Explorer Program Guidelines. Additionally, Explorers must maintain a minimum of a 2. 0 cumulative grade point average. An applicant can apply if they have under a 2. 0 cumulative grade point average; however, at the time of appointment they must have a 2. 0.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 2
MAY 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW LATHROP POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER
PROGRAM
Application & Selection Process: On an annual basis, commencing in January, the Police Department will begin the application process for the annual Explorer Program cohort. The appointed Explorers will serve from July 1 to June 30 and can continue as an Explorer each subsequent year for up to six consecutive years or until they are no longer eligible or are no longer interested. The Police Department will continue to recruit each year up to the maximum number of 20 Explorers. Explorers will be selected based on the date of application and successful completion of a background check.
Benefits: The Explorer Program aims to promote positive relationships between law enforcement and youth. Positive interactions through the Exploring program help law enforcement and community members establish mutual trust and cooperation, which are key elements of community policing. The program also serves as a recruitment tool for the Police Department by engaging the next generation of law enforcement professionals with a deep- rooted interest in successful community policing. Upon successful completion of the program, Explorers will receive a Certification of Completion and a Letter of Recommendation from the Lathrop Police Department to be used for college admissions and/ or prospective employers.
Program Mentors: The program includes Explorer Advisors who are sworn Lathrop Police Officers, to lead the Explorer Program' s activities and offer mentorship to the Explorers. Explorer Advisors will consist of School Resource Officers, officers interested in working with youth, and officers who have prior experience as an Explorer. These officers will guide the youth through various training sessions, ride - a - longs, and community service opportunities. Explorer Advisors will coordinate transportation to community events and Explorer competitions. Additionally, select community members and City of Lathrop employees may contribute by helping with logistics, event support, and mentorship and resources for the Explorers. Explorer Advisors will assist with recruitment, review applications, conduct interviews and complete a background review. There will be a minimum of three Explorer Advisors in the program to ensure adequate supervision in case one of the Explorer Advisors is not available for a meeting or an event.
BACKGROUND:
In 2015, the President' s Task Force on 21st Century Policing introduced recommendations to increase the trust between law enforcement and the communities they protect and serve. One of the key pillars introduced in these recommendations focused on the need to actively build positive relationships with the community.
In 2021, The City of Lathrop reached out to the community, internal staff, and the City Council to obtain feedback on the Lathrop Police Department' s policing philosophy prior to the launch in 2022. Feedback from the survey indicated it was very important and nearing critical that the City of Lathrop Police Department practice community policing. Police exploring serves as a catalyst for social connectivity by actively building positive relationships through consistent civil engagement.
CITY MANAGER' SREPORT PAGE 3
MAY 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW LATHROP POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER
PROGRAM
Respectful interactions through the Exploring program help law enforcement and community members establish mutual trust and cooperation —key elements of community policing.
Learning for Life - Boy Scouts of America
The proposed Explorer Program operates under the broader exploring umbrella, which is a part of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America ( BSA). The proposed Explorer Program falls within the Scouting America Greater Yosemite Council. As such, the program follows Learning for Life guidelines. Interested youth and their parents must complete a youth application form, sign the Explorer contract, and review the guidelines provided by the BSA and LPD. These documents set forth the expectations for behavior, participation, and commitment within the program.
Additionally, parental consent is required for all youth participants. While direct parental involvement is not a formal requirement of the proposed Explorer Program, parents or guardians play a supportive role in their child' s participation.
They are required to sign waivers acknowledging the physical and legal risks associated with the program, as it includes activities such as physical training, ride - a - longs, and community patrol support. Parental support is also essential in ensuring that Explorers attend scheduled meetings and events and maintain the standards of conduct and performance expected by the program. Open communication between program leaders and parents helps reinforce the structure and accountability that contributes to the Explorers' success.
To form a successful Explorer Post, a minimum of five youth members is required.
However, it is recommended to start with a group of 10 to 20 youth to ensure that the program is sustainable, as some participants may drop out or miss meetings. A larger group can also create a more dynamic and engaging environment, allowing for better peer interactions and increased participation in group activities. The Explorer program provides general liability insurance through Learning for Life, covering participants in case of accidents, injuries, or other unforeseen incidents that may occur during official activities. This insurance ensures that both youth participants and Advisors are covered.
Essential Rules & Requirements — Background Checks
Explorers and Advisors who participate in the program will undergo background checks as part of the program' ssafety protocols. The Department of Justice ( DOJ) clearance is required for both youth participants ( if necessary) and adult leaders to ensure that they meet the safety and legal standards necessary for involvement in such a program. These background checks help ensure that all participants are trustworthy and suitable for working in a law enforcement environment and with youth. Advisors are required to complete Youth Protection Training through Learning for Life.
CITY MANAGER' SREPORT PAGE 4
MAY 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW LATHROP POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER
PROGRAM
The Explorer manual provides comprehensive guidelines on the expectations, rules, and procedures of the program. It outlines the responsibilities of both the youth participants and adult leaders, as well as the code of conduct that must be followed.
The manual includes information on safety protocols, behavioral expectations, and event participation. It is a key resource for new Explorers, helping them understand the program' sstructure and requirements. The manual also serves as a tool for adult mentors to ensure the program operates in a consistent, professional, and ethical manner.
Rules and regulations within the proposed Explorer Program are enforced through structured oversight by Advisors. Participants are expected to maintain high standards of behavior, academic performance, and physical readiness. Violations of program rules may result in disciplinary actions, including counseling, suspension, or removal from the program if deemed necessary. Officers who serve as mentors play a key role in upholding discipline and guiding Explorers to develop leadership, responsibility, and professionalism in all aspects of their participation.
Additional Details of the Program
The program intends to bring together law enforcement professionals, youth, and the community to create a mutually beneficial learning environment. The activities in the proposed Explorer Program are both varied and immersive, designed to provide comprehensive learning experiences. Explorers will receive classroom instruction on law enforcement topics such as criminal law, self- defense tactics, arrest procedures, and understanding search and seizure laws. Along with theoretical knowledge, they participate in physical training designed to develop fitness, discipline, and endurance, which are all essential traits for law enforcement officers.
Explorers also take part in community service activities, such as assisting with traffic control and community engagement at public events, helping during city functions like parades, bicycle safety rodeos, and festivals. Furthermore, Explorers have the unique opportunity to participate in ride - a -Tongs, where they accompany officers during their shifts and gain firsthand experience of police work in action. Guest speakers from various law enforcement sectors often visit to discuss specific fields like traffic enforcement, investigations, SWAT and community policing, offering Explorers insight into the diversity of careers available within law enforcement.
Training for Explorers participating in a Ride- Alongs will include completion of the agency' s basic training curriculum for Explorers, along with methods and techniques used in patrol operations and related police services, traffic control, telecommunications procedures, patrol vehicle/ conveyance systems and equipment familiarization, policy and standard operating procedures for Explorers, and spontaneous emergency protocols. Explorers must also undergo Youth Protection:
Personal Safety Awareness training, to include assertive and practical prevention and cessation procedures. Youth Protection training materials are available through the local Learning for Life representative.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 5
MAY 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW LATHROP POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER
PROGRAM
Explorers will always remain under the supervision of a law enforcement officer during a Ride -Along. Parental consent, and a hold harmless and release form will be required. Explorers 16 and older will be eligible for Ride- Alongs. Explorers under the age of 18 are prohibited from participating in a Ride -Along between 10 PM and 6 AM.
The types of activities that Explorers are typically allowed to assist with during a Ride - Along include, but are not limited to:
1. Observation.
2. Traffic control.
3. Telecommunications support.
4. Administration of first aid assistance.
5. Perimeter control at accident or crime scenes.
6. Note taking that may aid the law enforcement officer or assistance with completing incident or other forms.
Explorers must not have a prior conviction for a criminal offense and must maintain a minimum of a 2. 0 cumulative grade point average, as the program aims to develop responsible, disciplined individuals who will positively contribute to their community.
In addition, Explorers must undergo a thorough background review to assess character and integrity that will include interviews with teachers and employers if applicable. The program is ideal for youth interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, or other public service fields, but it also provides valuable skills and experience for anyone looking to develop leadership and teamwork abilities.
The proposed Explorer Program will run year- round, with weekly meetings that range from one to three hours. These sessions are filled with a mix of physical training, law enforcement instruction, and hands- on activities. In addition to the weekly meetings, Explorers will have the opportunity to participate in community events, and Explorer competitions. Absences will be excused for illness, emergencies, school activities, family events, or other situations approved by an Explorer Advisor. Explorers are expected to participate in the program for a minimum of eight hours per month.
The program is designed to allow Explorers to stay involved as long as they are eligible, typically until they reach the age of 20. This extended duration gives participants time to accumulate a wide range of experiences, develop their skills, and even decide if they want to pursue a career in law enforcement or public service after completing the program.
Explorers in the Explorer Program are expected to maintain a professional appearance, wearing a uniform that distinguishes them from actual police officers but still mirrors aspects of a law enforcement uniform. The uniform typically includes a police explorer badge,
logo, and matching BDU
a uniform
style pants
shirt (
and
often
a
light
basic
blue
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or khaki)
belt that
with
align
the program' s
with the
professional standard of a law enforcement officer. Additionally, Explorers may wear a hat or cap with identification and a name tag for easy recognition.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 6
MAY 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW LATHROP POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER
PROGRAM
For physical training and certain activities, Explorers might be required to wear fitness gear such as athletic shorts, t -shirts, and running shoes. The uniform and appearance standards are designed to teach Explorers professionalism, respect for authority, and the importance of presenting themselves well in any career setting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff is requesting that the proposed Explorer Program be funded by fees collected through the Cannabis Business Tax as outlined in the Development Agreement with the City' sAuthorized Cannabis Operator.
After tonight' smeeting, if the concept is approved by the City Council, staff will incorporate the input received and will return to City Council at a future meeting for the formal adoption of the Explorer Program. The final adoption will include a Resolution to allocate the monies to the appropriate funds to develop new programs.
At that time, staff will propose to use the 50% allocation to the Police Department to be used to fund the program startup and ongoing expenditures of the proposed Explorer Program. Thereafter, these funds will be incorporated into the biennial budget process if the City Council elects to establish the Explorer Program.
Cari Ja , yes, Finance Director
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT PAGE 7
MAY 12, 2025 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE NEW LATHROP POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER
PROGRAM
APPROVALS:
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Richard Barnes, Police Captain Date
Police Ch' 5a7/ Zo2 5
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Date
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Thomas Hedegard, Deputy City ,: nager Date
Salvador Navarrete, City Attorney Date
Step Salvatore, City Manager Date
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