NEW LATHROP POLICE
DEPARTMENT
EXPLORER PROGRAM
PROPOSAL
ITEM 5.7
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MAY 12, 2025
Overview
• The City of Lathrop Police
Department is proposing a youthcentered Explorer Program. • Designed to engage residents or
students between the ages of 14–20
who have an interest in law
enforcement or public service.
• The program aligns with the
department’s commitment to
community policing and mentorship
by offering hands-on experience in
law enforcement.
• Tonight’s presentation seeks City
Council input before formal program
adoption.
*Image Caption: POLICE EXPLORERS POSING FOR A PICTURE
DURING AN EVENT
Background & Community Support
• Historical & Policy Context:
• Rooted in the 2015 President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. • Community and Council input in 2021 emphasized need for community policing.
• Exploring originated in the state of California in 1959. • Since then, it has been adopted nationwide in numerous law enforcement agencies.
• Local Relevance:
• The Explorer Program is a practical response to community feedback. • Creates ongoing opportunities for civil engagement and mutual trust.
Key Aspects
• Eligibility & Structure:
• Open to Lathrop residents or students between 14–20 years old. • Groups will include a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20 participants. • Provides academic enrichment and professional exposure fostering personal growth and civic responsibility.
• Explorers may remain in the program for up to 6 years or until they age out.
Program Activities
Hands-on and Interactive Learning:
Classroom Training: Topics such as criminal law, arrest procedures, and self-defense.
Fieldwork: Participation in patrol ride-a-longs and traffic control support.
Physical Training: Builds fitness and discipline.
Guest Speakers: Exposure to various law enforcement specialties.
Community Engagement: Participation in city events like parades, safety rodeos, and festivals.
Competitions: Law enforcement-based Explorer Program challenges to build teamwork and skills.
RIDE-ALONGS
Explorers participating in a Ride-Along
remain under the constant supervision of a
law enforcement officer. To be eligible,
applicants must be at least 16 years old and
provide parental consent along with a
signed hold harmless and release form.
Explorers under the age of 18 are not
permitted to participate in Ride-Alongs
between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM.
During the Ride-Along, common activities
may include observation, traffic control,
telecommunications support, administering
basic first aid, and assisting with perimeter
control at traffic collisions or crime scenes.
Eligibility, Application & Selection Process
Annual Recruitment Timeline:
Recruitment opens each January.
Appointed Explorers serve from July 1 to June 30.
May reapply annually, up to six years.
Selection Criteria:
Based on application date and background check.
Interviews may include input from teachers or employers.
Ongoing recruitment to maintain a full group of 20.
To be considered for the program, applicants
must either reside in Lathrop or be enrolled as
a student. A signed contract and parental
consent are required, along with a
background check to ensure safety and
uphold the integrity of the program.
Academically, applicants must maintain a
minimum 2.0 GPA; those below this threshold
may still apply but must meet the standard by
the time of their appointment.
A one-year commitment is expected upon
acceptance, and individuals with prior
criminal convictions are not eligible under the
program’s guidelines.
Program Benefits
• Builds strong police-community relationships through direct interaction. • Offers structured mentorship from active law enforcement officers. • Provides valuable experience for youth pursuing careers in:
• Law enforcement
• Criminal justice
• Public service
• Completion includes:
• Certificate of Completion
• Letter of Recommendation for use in college and job applications.
Advisors, Oversight and Safety Regulations
Explorer Advisors are sworn officers, such as
School Resource Officers and other youth-focused
members of the Lathrop Police Department, who
are required to complete Youth Protection Training.
Their roles include supervising training sessions,
coordinating transportation to events, and
overseeing recruitment and interview processes.
To ensure proper supervision, a minimum of three
Advisors is maintained within the program.
In addition to sworn officers, community volunteers
may also support the program by assisting with
logistics, providing mentorship, and helping at
events.
Rules & Enforcement:
Strict behavior, academic, and attendance policies.
Violations may lead to suspension or dismissal.
Safety Protocols:
DOJ background checks for both youth and adult leaders.
Youth Protection: Personal Safety Awareness training
required.
Insurance provided through Learning for Life covers all activities.
Explorer Manual:
Outlines policies, expectations, safety protocols, and
conduct.
Program Details & Training
• Weekly Commitment:
• Weekly meetings (1–3 hours); Explorers must participate at least 8 hours/month. • Excused absences allowed for illness, emergencies, school, and family events. • Training Components:
• Law enforcement procedures and public safety instruction. • Physical fitness development.
• Emergency protocols and spontaneous incident response. • Telecommunications and administrative support.
• Uniforms:
• Distinct but professional attire including Explorer badge, shirt, BDU pants, and duty belt. • PT attire includes athletic gear.
Basic Training Curriculum
• The history of law enforcement
• Patrol procedures
• Criminal Law
• Juvenile Law
• Arrest, Search & Seizure Laws
• Report Writing
• Crisis Intervention
• Ethics
• Self-Defense
• Traffic control/Crowd Control
Learning for Life Partnership
• Affiliation:
• Operates under Learning for Life, a Boy Scouts of America subsidiary. • Program follows national Exploring Program guidelines via the Greater Yosemite Council. • Documentation & Parental Role:
• Youth application, contract, waivers, and parental consent required. • Parents support attendance, conduct standards, and logistics. • Insurance:
• Liability coverage through Learning for Life for all activities and events.
Fiscal Impact & Next Steps
• Funding Plan:
• Proposed funding from Cannabis Business Tax revenue per Development Agreement.
• 50% of Police Department’s cannabis fund allocation to cover Explorer Program.
• Funds will be incorporated into the City’s biennial budget if approved. • Staff Recommendations:
• City Council provide input.
• Provide staff with a date to return with formal adoption resolution. • Approve the use of Cannabis Funds.