The Sheriff's Explorer Program is a volunteer partnership between Calaveras youth and law enforcement. It is great for youths considering a future career in law enforcement or for those who just want to get involved with the community.
The program allows Explorers to participate in community affairs and non-hazardous law enforcement activities and the opportunity to ride in a patrol vehicle (ride-a-long) or observe police dispatching (911 calls), giving them a "hands-on" experience with law enforcement. Explorers can volunteer for civic and community projects such as traffic, crowd control, and special event patrols like the county fair and festivals. Explorers are NOT Police Officers.
The Explorer Program holds regularly scheduled meetings with deputies who address the group on the various facets of a career in law enforcement. Presentations include specialized fields such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Hostage Negotiations, Incident Response, Accident Investigations, and more.
The Sheriff’s Explorers include students from all over Calaveras County. Each year, they bring new ideas and more community participation.
Although not all Explorers pursue law enforcement as their career, the experience gives them a better understanding of the Laws that govern our society and what it takes to enforce them.