OPD Explorers

Be 14 to 20 years of age
• Be enrolled in school and maintain at least a “C” average (2.00 GPA) with no failing grades
• Be of good character
• Have no serious arrest record or discipline record
• Pass a written exam, an oral interview and background check
• Once accepted, satisfactory completion of the Explorer’s Recruitment Academy held at OPD. This is a 10 week training period in which they are taught physical training, military drill/demeanor, radio codes, basic penal codes, traffic control and Explorer records/logs.
• An applicant must be reasonably physically fit and able to stand for long periods and work in various weather conditions

     They are young and eager and have an interest in Law Enforcement and being “Tomorrows Leaders” ~ they are Police Explorer Post #350.
Participating in the Explorer Program is a stepping stone for some into a long and fulfilling career in law enforcement. Some of our current Officers are former Ontario Police Explorers. Some have gone onto other great careers, but all have become “tomorrow’s leaders”.

     In February 1973, a group of officers wanted to get the youth of Ontario involved with the community and the Ontario Police Department. Officers Katie Roberts (retired Captain), Robert Keller (retired Captain), Jim Gettings (retired Sergeant), and Terry Callison (retired Officer) established the Ontario Police Explorer Post 350.

     The post started with approximately 35 members. At the time, the Explorers ages ranged from 15 to 18 years old but have now changed to 14 to 20 years old.
Currently we have approximately 40 members and they are under the direction of Post Commander Sgt. Jose Pena.

Police Explorers perform non-hazardous duties and they have saved the department hundreds of manpower hours throughout the years. They perform job assignments such as traffic control, searches for lost or missing children or adults, patrol ride-a-longs, and crime prevention and community services. They are also expected to participate in activities such as the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks show, Ontario Night Out, and California Driver’s License Check points.

Explorers have to attend regular scheduled meetings on Thursdays and complete the Explorer academy. They also get to attend fun trips such as Holcomb Valley, Beach trip, amusement park trip and other special events. Don’t forget about our annual awards banquet where we give out the following awards to a few of the Explorers: Most Dedicated, Most Improved, Most Motivational, Best Leader, and Explorer of the Year.

The next Explorers Recruitment Academy information night will be held on Thursday September 2, 2010 from 6-8pm. Come and bring your parents to find out more information on what the Explorer Program is all about. The written exam will be held on Thursday September 9, 2010. The oral interviews will be on Thursday September 23, 2010. Recruit Platoon 34 will start on Thursday September30, 2010. The Explorers Recruitment Academy is approximately 12 weeks and will be conducted every Thursday from 1800 (6pm) to 2000 (8pm). Graduation will be on December 16, 2010.

For more information call or email one of the Explorer Advisors or call the Ontario Police Department at (909) 395-2001 and ask to be transferred to an Advisor.

If you think the Ontario Police Explorers is for you, come on down and fill out an interest card. We meet on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 6pm till 8pm.

To find out more information about the Ontario Police Explorer program contact the following Advisors:

Head Advisor: Cpl. Frank Hernandez (909) 395-2001
fhernandez@ontariopolice.org

Senior Advisor: Det. Gary Naranjo (909) 395-2764
gnaranjo@ontariopolice.org

Senior Advisor: Sgt. Tim Glisson (909) 395-2001

tglisson@ontariopolice.org

Advisor: Officer Christine Duarte (909) 395-2001
cduarte@ontariopolice.org

Advisor: Officer Bill Maxson (909) 395-2001 ext 4790
wmaxson@ontariopolice.org

Advisor: Technician Loretta Culotta (909) 395-2001
lculotta@ontariopolice.org

The Ontario Police Explorer Post is not a program for "at risk youth". An applicant cannot have any arrests and/or convictions for felonies or serious misdemeanors (i.e., domestic violence). A member must be able to work independently and with other Explorers, Explorer Supervisors and Police Officers. The public will hold them to the same standard as Police Officers and they must be able to conduct themselves in a similar manner.