Visalia Police Department
303 South Johnson Street
Visalia, Ca 93291
Colleen Mestas
Chief of Police
VPD Explorer Post Program
Application
“Developing the youth of today to meet the needs of the community tomorrow.”
VISALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
EXPLORER POST PROGRAM
APPLICATION
Dear Explorer Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Explorer Post, a national award winning program devoted to the development of its members through vocational training, leadership development and community service. The Explorer Post provides valuable support to the Visalia Police Department and through a variety of projects. The Visalia Police Explorer Post is committed to excellence, both through its programs in developing the Explorers, as well as in providing service to the Visalia Police Department and community.
To help you in determining your suitability for this position, the following information regarding the minimum requirements for membership and service are outlined as follows:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
1. You must be a resident of the County of Tulare or reside within a reasonable distance of the City of Visalia (exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Explorer Post Advisor).
2. You must be 14 to 20 years of age.
3. If you are under 18 years of age you must have parental approval, which includes signature of the explorer and his / her parent(s) or guardian(s) on a general liability form.
4. You must be in good physical condition, as Explorers do a variety of physical activities through their training and service.
5. You must be of good moral habits with no arrest record or convictions for serious offenses, including crimes of moral turpitude. Applicant will be subjected to a background check.
6. You must maintain a “C” or above in all subjects while enrolled in school.
7. You must be prepared to show good citizenship at all times.
8. You must maintain a clean and neat appearance at all times.
9. You must cooperate with school officials at all times.
10. You will have a personnel file while in the Post, which will include your application and photograph.
11. You will be required to purchase a uniform at your own expense. Unless other arrangements are made.
12. You will be required to attend two meetings each month.
13. You will be required to assist in many requests for services by the public and government agencies.
14. You will be required to be active within the Post by attending meetings and Explorer details.
15. You will be required to have good working relations with other explorers in the program.
16. All applicants must submit a 250-word essay on the topic titled, “Why I want to be an Explorer”. This must be submitted with your background packet.
17. All applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a school teacher, administrator, counselor or other Public Official.
18. All requested documentation, applications, essay, letter of recommendation, etc., must be submitted prior to any consideration of any person for membership in the Post.
After successful completion of the Explorer Academy, all applicants must successfully complete a 6 month probationary period, during which time they are subject to dismissal for repeated, uncorrected behavior problems or attendance problems.
Explorer Post members serve without compensation, on a volunteer basis.
EXPLORER POST GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the Explorer Post?
The Visalia Police Explorer Post is a dynamic, coed youth and young adult vocational and leadership development program that provides positive alternatives to uncommitted leisure time. The Post’s vocational training centers around the various operations of the Visalia Police Department through both classroom teaching and hands-on training and role playing. Explorers learn what Police Officers do, why they do it, how to do it and demonstrate those skills and knowledge through training exercises, role playing and competitions. All training and operations of the Post are conducted in the highest tradition of honor and ethics, as outlined by the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. The training is given as part of the regularly scheduled meetings, as well as on various other days throughout the month as deemed appropriate. Training also includes learning about the various other law enforcement agencies and their functions through guest instructors, demonstrations and vocational trips to such agencies. Specialized training, as well as recreational activities and trips such as campouts at different locations or travel to theme parks, i.e., Knott’s Berry Farm, are earned based on attendance and performance in the Post.
Participation in the Visalia Police Department Post Explorer program is designed to augment school education in a cooperative effort. Family obligations, religious duty (if any), school education and other school activities will take precedence over any involvement in the Explorer Post, and members are encouraged and expected to take each very seriously. Should a member have difficulty with an aspect of their education, reasonable steps will be taken to assist them in overcoming whatever obstacles they have.
The Visalia Police Department Explorer Post is a fun, innovative educational program through which the Visalia Police Department staff and organization provide vocational training and learning opportunities which the youth of the community might otherwise never have. For youth interested in a law enforcement career, the Visalia Police Department Explorer Post affords priceless training, insight and experience. For youth interested in any other career, or for those who are yet undecided, the Visalia Police Department Explorer Post also affords invaluable experience and training which develops self-esteem, moral character, leadership, communication skills, critical thinking, crisis resolution and compassion for others. No matter the career choice or interest, the program affords tremendous opportunities for Visalia’s youth and young adults which will benefit them for a lifetime.
Community Service Projects and Details
As an Explorer, you will perform a variety of duties in the field for the Visalia Police Department, various private and public schools, other organizations and agencies such as government agencies, churches, citizen groups and other institutions, as may be approved by the Explorer Post and the Visalia Police Department. On occasion, it will be necessary for each Explorer to be assigned to these projects and details. You are expected to maintain a satisfactory level of performance in carrying out your duties and assignments.
Explorer Meetings
There will be two Explorer meetings each month. Failure to attend 75% of the Explorer meetings in any 12-month period and/or missing two or more consecutive meetings without good cause and/or prior notification of Post Staff, will be considered unsatisfactory attendance and may be grounds for dismissal.
Thank you for your interest in our program. If you have any questions, please contact Bob Douglas, (559) 713-4248 or Sergeant Osvaldo Dominguez, (559) 713-4152.
Sincerely,
Colleen Mestas
Chief of Police
Visalia Police Department
Explorer Post Program
Application
Personal History Form
NAME:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
ADDRESS:
(Number) (Street) (City) (State)
MAILING ADDRESS (If different than above):
TELEPHONE:
(Home) (Cell)
DATE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
(Month) (Day) (Year)
AGE: HEIGHT: WEIGHT: HAIR: __ EYES: _____
SOCIAL SECURITY #:
FATHER’S NAME:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
MOTHER’S NAME:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
STEP FATHER’S NAME (If Applicable):
(Last) (First) (Middle)
STEP MOTHER’S NAME (If Applicable):
(Last) (First) (Middle)
GUARDIAN(S) NAME (If Applicable):
(Last) (First) (Middle)
GUARDIAN(S) NAME (If Applicable):
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Personal History Form (CONT.)
FATHER’S OCCUPATION & BUSINESS PHONE:
MOTHER’S OCCUPATION & BUSINESS PHONE:
STEP PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) OCCUPATION & BUSINESS PHONE (If Applicable):
SIBLING(S) NAME/AGE/SEX: / /
/ /
/ ______/
__/ /
__/ /
CLOSEST RELATIVE NOT LIVING WITH YOU:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
ADDRESS:
(Number) (Street) (City) (State)
TELEPHONE: RELATIONSHIP:
( Home) (Cell)
NAME OF SCHOOL ATTENDING: ______
ADDRESS:
(Number) (Street) (City) (State)
TELEPHONE: PRINCIPAL’S NAME: ______
COUNSELOR’S NAME: ______
Personal History Form (CONT.)
CLUB MEMBERSHIP(S) (If Applicable):_
FAMILY PHYSICIAN: PRACTICE:
ADDRESS:
(Number) (Street) (City) (State)
TELEPHONE: HOSPITAL PREFERENCE:
IS ANY MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY ASSOCIATED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT? YES NO
IF YES, LIST NAME(S) / POSTION(S) / AGENCY(S):
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ARRESTED: YES NO
If yes, explain:
______
HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED A TRAFFIC CITATION? YES NO
If yes, explain:
______
Personal History Form (CONT.)
DO YOU SUFFER FROM A MEDICAL/MENTAL DISORDER? YES NO _____
If yes, explain:
______
HAVE YOU BEEN HOSPITALIZED DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS? YES NO
If yes, explain:
______
WHAT IS YOUR GRADE POINT AVERAGE? ______
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT AND WHY? ______
______
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT SCHOOL?
______
WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT SCHOOL?
______
Personal History Form (CONT.)
DO YOU PLAN TO ATTEND COLLEGE? YES NO
WHY / WHY NOT?
______
IF YES, WHAT WILL BE YOUR MAJOR SUBJECT?
______
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS?
______
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
______
DO YOU POSSESS A DRIVER’S LICENSE OR ID CARD? YES NO
IF YES, DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER & STATE:
______
DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO AN AUTOMOBILE? YES NO ______
ARE YOU EMPLOYED? YES NO
IF YES, NAME OF EMPLOYER:
______
ADDRESS:
(Number) (Street) (City) (State)
Personal History Form (CONT.)
LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT (Months/Years):
______
LIST DUTIES:
______
NAME OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
______
DO YOU OWN OR HAVE ACCESS TO A FIREARM? YES NO
IF YES, LIST MANUFACTURER & MODEL:
______
I, (Name) UNDERSTAND THAT ANY PORTION OF THIS FORM IS TO BE EXAMINED BY THE VISALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT. I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ALL OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM WILL BE USED SOLELY FOR THE VISALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER POST PROGRAM AND FOR NO OTHER PURPOSE. ALL OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THS APPLICATION IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE.
APPLICANT SIGNATURE DATE
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE
(If under 18 years of age)
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE
(If under 18 years of age)
Visalia Police Department
Explorer Post Program
Application
Articles of Understanding
ARTICLE I
I, understand and accept the rules & procedures concerning the issuance & use of the badge of the Visalia Police Department’s Explorer Post Program.
ARTICLE II
I further understand that this badge is issued to me & will not be worn or carried upon my person unless I am in uniform & the badge is pinned to my uniform shirt.
ARTICLE III
That I will not wear my uniform except when on duty or going to or returning from a meeting. I will further not enter any place of business in my uniform without the expressed permission from my advisor or in the presence of my advisor.
ARTILCE IV
If I lose the badge, I will replace it at my expense. Further, if I leave the Post for any reason, it will be my responsibility to return the badge to my advisor or the Chief of Police at the Visalia Police Department.
ARTICLE V
If there is a violation of articles II, III or IV, I understand that I will be terminated from the program.
APPLICANT:
Signature Date
PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) (If under 18 years of age):
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
Visalia Police Department
Explorer Post Program
WAIVERS / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I. Release for Records & Information
1. IN ORDER FOR ME (IF OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE) / MY CHILD TO BE CONSIDERED AS A PROSPECTIVE MEMBER OF THE VISALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER PROGRAM, I HEREBY AUTHORIZE & REQUEST ALL PERSONS, AGENCIES, CORPORATIONS, COMPANIES, EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS & FORMER EMPLOYERS TO WHOM THIS REQUEST IS PRESENTED, HAVING INFORMATION RELATING TO OR CONCERNING ME, TO FURNISH SUCH INFORMATION TO A DULY APPOINTED OFFICER OF THE CITY OF VISALIA, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH INFOMATION IS CONSIDERED CONFIDENTIAL, OR WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROTECTED FROM DISLOSURE BY A CONSTIUTIAL, STAUTORY, OR COMMON LAW PRVILIEGE. THIS INFORMATION MAY BE PROVIDED VERBALLY OR IN WRITING.
2. I HEREBY AUTHORIZE & REQUEST ALL PERSONS TO WHOM THIS REQUEST IS PRESENTED, HAVING DOCUMENTS RELATING TO OR CONCERNING ME, TO PERMIT A DULY APPOINTED OFFICER OF THE CITY OF VISALIA TO REVIEW & COPY ANY SUCH DOCUMENTS, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DOCUMENTS WOULD OTHERWISE BE PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY A CONSTITUTIONAL, STATUTORY OR COMMON LAW PRIVILEGE.
3. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM / MY CHILD IS SEEKING AN EXPLORER POSITION WITH THE VISALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT & AGREE TO SAVE & HOLD HARMLESS THE VISALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT, ITS OFFICERS & EMPLOYEES OF & FROM ANY & ALL INJURY OR EMBARASSMENT TO MYSELF/MY CHILD ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE RELATED TO THE INSPECTION OF MY/MY CHILD’S RECORDS OR CREDIBILITY.
4. A REPRODUCTION OF THIS REQUEST BY COPY MACHINE OR SIMILAR PROCESS SHALL BE FOR ALL INTENTS & PURPOSES AS VALID AS THE ORIGINAL.
5. I HAVE/MY CHILD HAS SPECIFICALLY & PERMANENTLY WAIVED ANY RIGHTS I/MY CHILD MAY HAVE TO REVIEW OR INSPECT ANY & ALL INFORMATION DEVELOPED IN THIS INVESTIGATION SO YOUR RESPONSE WILL BE COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this request at ______,______City State
on the ______day of ______20____.
APPLICANT SIGNATURE DATE
(If over 18 years of age)
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE
(If under 18 years of age)
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE
(If under 18 years of age)
State of California
County of
On before me,
Notary Public, personally appeared
(Name(s) of Signer(s))
who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature:
(Signature of Notary Public)
II. Assumption of Risk