Explorer Post #203

The Cotati Police Explorer Post #203 was established in 2003 as an effort by the police department to reach out to the youth of our community. The police department's explorer post can have up to 15 Explorers enrolled and it is part of Learning for Life (www.learningforlife.org).

Law Enforcement Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age, or are 15 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday.

Law Enforcement Explorer posts help youth to gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities. For young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of law enforcement, Exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth.

Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience.

Career Opportunities

  • Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options
  • Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work

Life Skills

  • Build physical and mental fitness
  • Experience positive social interaction

Citizenship

  • Encourage the skill and desire to help others
  • Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others

Character Education

  • Help make ethical choices
  • Fulfill one's responsibility to society as a whole

Leadership Experience

  • Acquire leadership skills to fulfill one's responsibilities in society

Goals

Young adults involved in Exploring will

  • Gain practical knowledge of and experience in a career
  • Engage in a program of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person
  • Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles
  • Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and enjoyable environment

Methods

The methods of Exploring have been carefully chosen to meet the needs of young adults.

  • Voluntary association between youth and adults. Because Exploring is voluntary, youth are receptive to new ideas, experiences, and relationships. For the Explorer, these relationships provide a connection to new ways of thinking and acting as well as a new identity as a responsible young adult.
  • Ethical decision making. Exploring asks young people to be responsible for themselves, for a program of activities and experiences, and for other people, thereby providing numerous opportunities for youth to make effective and ethical decisions. These opportunities are enhanced by the influence of capable adults and structured activities.
  • Group activities. Exploring activities are interdependent group experiences. Success depends on the cooperation of all.
  • Recognition of achievement. Recognition might come through formal awards, but it also is achieved through the acknowledgment by peers and adults of a young person's competence and abilities.
  • Democratic process. Explorer posts provide exposure to democratic ideals and skills that are needed throughout life.
  • Curiosity, exploration, and adventure. Curiosity is encouraged and a sense of exploration and adventure is developed through new experiences that provide opportunities for youth to acquire new skills and participate in action-oriented activities.

If you are interested in becoming an Cotati Police Explorer or have interest in your child becoming an Explorer, please click on the link below and e-mail the Post Advisor your name, address, and telephone number and he will contact you as soon as possible.

Contact:
Officer Eric Bilcich: ebilcich@ci.cotati.ca.us
Volunteer Kevin Braafladt: kbraafladt@ci.cotati.ca.us