For information on the Edmonds Police Department Explorer Program
contact an Advisor ([email protected]) or call Tabatha Shoemake @ 425-771-0287.
The Police Explorer program gives young people an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and public safety. Through activities, training, and community service, Explorers get a closer look at police work, build leadership and teamwork skills, and learn about responsibility and making positive choices. The program is educational—it does not make participants police officers—and can help them explore whether a future career in law enforcement might be right for them. Many Explorers go on to pursue a career in Law Enforcement, though it is certainly not a requirement. Some former Explorers have even risen to leadership roles at the Edmonds Police Department, including Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police, and Commander.
The Explorer program is open to high school students or graduates, ages 14-21. We currently meet every other Tuesday evening from 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Edmonds Police Department. Explorer meetings usually mix learning, practice, and teambuilding skills. Explorers learn about police procedures, laws, communication, first aid, and personal safety; practice marching, fitness, or scenario-based skills; hear from officers and guest speakers; and plan community-service activities. Meetings also give members a chance to build leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Specific activities vary by program, and Explorers do not perform the duties of sworn officers.
The Edmonds Police Explorer Program is a separate entity from the Edmonds Police Department and is staffed by EPD Employees who volunteer as Advisors. The program is completely self-funded and does not receive any financial contributions from the Edmonds Police Department or the City of Edmonds. All Police Explorer activities are paid for from the Explorer bank account, which is funded by our generous community donors and fundraising events put on by the Explorers. The Edmonds Police Explorer program is registered as a charitable organization with the Washington Secretary of State. For more information on how to donate to the Edmonds Police Explorer Program, please contact
Tabatha.
Events
There are many different events that you can attend as an Explorer. They range from local city events to national conferences and academies. Here are some of the events that the Edmonds Explorers attend.
Local:
- 4th of July Parade
- Halloween (Traffic and Crowd patrol)
- Tree Lighting Ceremony (Traffic and Crowd Patrol)
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- National Night Out
- Arts Festival
- Edmonds Block Party
- Edmonds PD Open House
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WLEEA Academies
WLEEA (Washington Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors) is the State Advisors Association. WLEEA operates an intensive week-long Explorer Academy twice a year at Yakima Training Center (YTC). The Academy is a full-time training environment that mirrors the atmosphere at the real Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). Advisors and Instructors from all around Washington State come together to provide top-notch instruction and training. During the week of training, Explorers experience aspects of police work firsthand. Classroom time and practical application of skills are combined to provide a challenging and fun week.
Academy attendance starts with the Basic Academy, and advances through the Intermediate and Advanced academies, before Explorers are eligible to apply for a Specialty Academy or the final Academy Police Department (APD). In APD, Explorers spend the entire week as if they had been hired as a full time officer at a local police department.
For more information about WLEEA Academies, visit the WLEEA Website.
Eligibility
You are eligible to be an Explorer if you are:
-Between the ages of 14-20. Explorers age out at 21.
-Enrolled in high school with a GPA of 2.0 or above, or have graduated/earned a GED
-Able to pass a background check and oral board interview
Note: If you are under the age of 18, parent/guardian consent is required