Download the Police Explorer Application (PDF) 

Download the Police Explorer Post #420 Brochure (PDF)

Manhattan Beach Police Explorer Post #420 is a co-ed youth program affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America’s “Learning for Life” program, and is staffed by members of the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

Active in communities across the country, the Explorer Program is a rewarding volunteer program that gives youth an opportunity to learn more about law enforcement, while developing valuable leadership and life skills and giving service to the Police Department and the community.

Young men and women will gain a better understanding of law enforcement functions and gain the academic and technical training needed to become future law enforcement officers. This career-oriented program builds leadership skills and self-discipline needed to become successful community leaders. The program also provides the Police Department with an additional avenue to connect with and better understand today's youth.

What do Police Explorers Do?
The Explorer Program is challenging and demanding, and emphasizes volunteerism, professionalism, leadership, ethics, service to community, high self-esteem, and positive decision-making.

Explorers have the opportunity to study the field of law enforcement and community service first-hand, through observing and assisting police officers in many areas of their duties. Our police officers and police department personnel are all committed to helping our explorers in their personal development, and our ongoing interactions with Explorer participants will help them lay the groundwork for their future success.

Explorer Post #420 members are involved in a variety of training opportunities, community service events, patrol ride-alongs with police officers, police department service details and educational field trips. There is also a strong team building element in the program and we encourage cooperation and teamwork, along with maturity, responsibility and personal growth.

Police Explorers provide a valuable service to the community by assisting in traffic related duties, fingerprinting children for "Kid Print" programs, assisting with special events, participating in community functions and providing administrative service to the Police Department. Participants attend bi-monthly Explorer meetings, as well as compete in and attend regional and local Explorer Competitions and Fun Days that challenge Explorers in both team activities and in individual physical competition events.

How do I become a Police Explorer?
To become a member of the Explorer Post #420, you must successfully complete the Explorer Academy, which teaches the basic skills utilized by Explorers throughout their Explorer experience.

Explorer Academy

The Police Explorer Academy is a discipline academy that focuses on physical conditioning, reading, writing and comprehension skills, interpersonal communications, and team building skills, as well as technical training utilized everyday by police officers.

The 10-week long Explorer Academy is hosted at El Camino College (Torrance, CA) and staffed by Explorer Advisors and Explorer Drill Instructors.  College credit is awarded for successful completion of the Explorer Academy, and once the participant completes the Academy, they become an official member of Manhattan Beach Police Explorer Post #420.    

Explorer Pre-Academy

In preparation for the Explorer Academy, recruits are encouraged to attend a pre-academy course offered in partnership with the Torrance Police Department. During the pre-academy, participants will need to wear a pair of running shorts or sweats, t-shirt, and running shoes. They also need to bring a pen, notebook with college ruled paper, and water or sport drink. There is no cost for the Pre-Academy training.

Membership Requirements
The Explorer Program is not for everyone! However, if you like a challenge and are interested in a law enforcement profession, then the Manhattan Beach Police Department Explorer Post #420 is the place for you.

To become a member of the Manhattan Beach Police Department Explorer Post #420 you must:

• Be a graduate of the 8th grade and be between the ages of 14 and 21 years old
• Be enrolled in a high school, college or any other school program
• Maintain a 2.0 Academic Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Provide a recommendation letter from a school counselor
• Be of good moral character
• Have no felony convictions
• Pass an applicant screening process
• Have an interest in learning about law enforcement and in serving your community
• Be willing to make the required commitments to Explorer Post meetings and activities

Initial registration in the Explorer Program is $50, and includes physical training shorts and t-shirt. Recruits will need running shoes for the academy, as well as a business casual outfit (slacks and a polo shirt). Half-way through the academy, an official uniform will be required. New members are expected to furnish their own uniforms (approximately $150 for uniform shirt and uniform pants; this does not include cost of belt and boots); however, special considerations can be arranged for those who cannot afford the initial cost.

To apply for membership in the Manhattan Beach Police Department Explorer Post, please download an application (PDF). Fill out the form and return it to:

Manhattan Beach Police Department
ATTN: Officer Jessica Borello
420 15th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Officer Jessica Borello by phone at (310) 802-5184, or by email.

Download the Police Explorer Application (PDF)

Download the Police Explorer Post #420 Brochure (PDF)

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