Options for Youth: Police Explorer program offered
Currently in our community, very few hands-on training and education opportunities are available for young men and women to prepare for a career in law enforcement.
The Williams Police Department believes that, by offering a professionally run Explorer Cadet Program, participants will gain a great deal of education and experience that will help them if they decide to further pursue law enforcement as their chosen career.
The Law Enforcement Exploring Program provides educational training for young adults on the purposes, mission and objectives of law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities.
One of the primary goals of the program is to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement. Specialties in this field can include forensics, behavioral analysis, special investigations, crime-specific task forces, and other careers in the justice system. Another goal is to challenge students to become responsible and contributing citizens of their communities, providing neighborhoods where families enjoy a safe and healthy lifestyle.
Police officers within the Williams Police Department will teach Explorer Cadets about the educational requirements for a career in law enforcement and will provide tangible advice on steps they can take now to prepare and position themselves for additional training and education to become a successful law enforcement officer.
Several benefits that Explorer Cadets will gain by participating in this program are:
• Stimulated interest in continuing education
• Career information, insight into future vocation
• Positive alternatives to negative youth activities, such as drug abuse and involvement with gangs
• Sense of acceptance and belonging to the "right" group
• Safe environment for adult-like activities
• Opportunities to participate in practical, real and meaningful hands-on experiences
• Opportunities to try leadership roles and develop skills
• Cooperative relationship between adults and youth
• Service to others
If interested, please join us at 6 p.m. April 10 at the Woodland Community College Colusa County Outreach Facility in Williams. The Williams Police Department will hold its first meeting for young men and women who are interested becoming Explorer Cadets for the Williams Police Department.
The Law Enforcement Career Exploring Program is open to young men and women ages 14 to 20. Family and friends of the participants are welcome to attend the meeting so all questions about the program can be answered.
If anyone would like more information on becoming an Explorer Cadet, or have any questions regarding this program, please can contact Youth Outreach Officer Ivan Maldonado at the Williams Police Department, 700 North St., Williams, CA, 95987 or call at 473-2661.
