LATHROP POLICE
DEPARTMENT EXPLORER
PROGRAM
POST NO. 2022
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 10, 2026 | ITEM 2.2
Overview
• The City of Lathrop Police
Department Explorer program is
designed to engage youth
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.
Advisors
Officer Joshua Simien
• 7 years Law Enforcement experience
• Community Resource Officer
• Previous School Resource Officer
Officer Sunny Purewal
• 9 years experience in Law Enforcement
• School Resource Officer
Officer Alejandra Maldonado
• 11 years Law enforcement experience
• Detective
• Previous Detective for Oakland Police
Department
• Previous explorer with Newark Police
Department
Officer Jonathan Syler
• 7 years Law Enforcement experience
• Motor Officer
• Field Training Officer
Officer Vatche Tatarian
• 10 years Law Enforcement experience
• Motor Officer
• Field Training Officer
Calendar Overview
June 2025 – September 2025
• Explorer Program approved by City Council
• Recruitment of Explorer Advisors
• Began weekly advisor meetings
• Officer Simien attend background investigator course
• Program registered with Learning for Life/Boy Scouts of America • Explorer Post No. 2022 established
• Youth Safety training provided for Explorer Advisors by Boy Scouts of America Calendar Overview
October 2025 – December 2025
• Advisors began recruiting:
• Social media posts
• Advisors met with Lathrop schools administrations
• Lathrop schools administrations announced program to school clubs and parents • Handed out interest cards at city events
• Explorer Program outline developed:
• Lesson plans
• Lathrop Police Department Explorer Program email created • Explorer Advisors meet twice a month
• Officer Syler and Detective Maldonado attend background investigator course Calendar Overview
January 2026 – March 2026
• Developed Explorer Program Manual
• Explorer Program webpage goes live on Lathrop Police Department website • Develop Explorer Program application and supplemental questions with Human Resources
April 2026 – June 2026
• Explorer Program Application posted on City of Lathrop website • Initial application period closed
• Interviewed Explorer Program applicants
• Explorer Program applicants selected for background investigation • Explorer Program Advisors attend explorer competition in Tracy Calendar Overview
July 2026 – September 2026
• Conduct background investigations
• Open house for Explorers parents/guardians
• Explorers Program officially begins
• Explorers receive uniforms
• Interview additional applicants
October 2026 – December 2026
• Additional applicants selected for background investigation • Explorers assist at City events
• Explorer Advisors prepare for Explorer Academy
• Lathrop Police Department Explorers to cross train with Lathrop Manteca Fire District Explorers
Explorer Applicant Progress
• 18 applications received
• 17 met Explorer Program requirements
• 17 applicants invited to interview
• 12 applicants interviewed
• 9 applicants selected for background investigation
• 7 applicants currently in background investigation
Interested?
• Contact Lathrop Police Department Explorer Program
• Officer Joshua Simien
• Email: [email protected]
• (209) 871-5357
• Currently accepting applications
• Additional interview dates available in September 2026