The Exploring Program is an official program of the Grand Prairie Police Department, designed by Learning for Life (a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America) to provide young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement with a comprehensive program of training, competition, service and practical experiences.  It is through such activities that Explorers are able to broaden their understanding and knowledge of the law enforcement profession in general and learn the challenges and rewards of providing police services in their own community. Many of our alumni have successfully achieved careers in Law Enforcement. Seven are police officers and two are currently serving as Public Safety Interns in Grand Prairie!

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Explorers attend regular meetings and participate in training and practical hands-on activities provided by a dedicated cadre of law enforcement professionals and adult volunteers. After  completing basic training, Explorers are invited to participate in our Ride-Along program, where they can observe firsthand patrol operations and community policing. 

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Explorers also assist in such areas as crime prevention, traffic/crowd control, record keeping, and telecommunications. These forms of assistance are always conducted under the supervision of law enforcement officers and serve to demonstrate that Explorers can be beneficial to the agency and the community.

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In February, the Grand Prairie Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association was proud to present a check to the Explorers in the amount of $1,500.  Most recently during our July Membership Meeting, our Association presented a check in the amount of $5,000.  These funds will assist in the Explorers with travel to the national competition.  We hope that the support of our Association, friends and sponsors will aid in enriching the lives of these young individuals as they are working towards a goal of possibly becoming a Grand Prairie Police Officer.

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~ UPDATE ~

(A message from Officer Blessing of the SRO Unit)

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The Explorers have completed the State and National Competition.  Platoon 342 competed at the national competition at Purdue University.  They got 1st place in Crisis Negotiation and are now National Champs!   Platoon 086 competed at the state competition at the University of Texas Arlington.  They got 1st place in DWI, 1st place in Crime Scene, 2nd place in Arrest Search and Seizure, and 3rd place in Robbery.  Congratulations to the GPPD/GPISD Explorers for all their hard work and dedication to the program!

 

Thank you to everyone who has helped train and support the Explorers along the way.  We appreciate all the support and encouragement that was received this year and look forward to success in the years to come. They could not have achieved this without your help!