General Information
The Oakland Police Department has participated in Exploring since 1965. The Oakland Police Explorers Program is considered one of the oldest law enforcement exploring posts in the Bay Area.
Today's young adults join exploring because they want the opportunity to look at law enforcement as it really is, and they want the opportunity to prove themselves and be recognized for their accomplishments.
The program's objectives are those of the Learning for Life Program:
•     Career Opportunities
•     Service Learning
•     Leadership Experience
•     Life Skills
•     Character Education
Exploring can be the first step in a career in law enforcement.
What do Explorers Do?
•     Attend weekly meetings, which include law–enforcement–        related instruction and physical training
•     Patrol ride alongs
•     Community Services details
•     Decoy programs
•     Police Activities League (PAL) youth program support staffing
•     Attend local and national Explorer law enforcement        conferences and competitions
Eligibility Requirements
•     An applicant must be a high–school student 14.5 years of
      age or older.
•     Student must have and maintain a grade point average of
       2.0 or better and have average or better attendance and        discipline records.
•     The Explorers program is not a delinquency prevention        program. Applicants must be free from felony and serious        misdemeanor convictions.
Application Process
Students interested in the Explorer Program at the Oakland Police Department must complete the following steps to apply:
•     Submit a completed Explorer Personal History Questionnaire.
•     Complete an Oakland Police Department Volunteer Level 1        background investigation.
•     Attend four consecutive Exploring Post meetings.
•     Successfully pass a program written examination.
For an application or additional information, contact:
Officer Terrance West / Training Division / (510) 238-3552
Officer Mark Hicks / PAL Unit / (510) 777-8622
For additional information about Exploring, click here: http://www.learning-for-life.org
Other information you might be intersted in: Oakland Police Cadets