Weekly meetings are held at the Pinellas Park Police Department on Thursday Evenings at 6pm. Meetings last approximately three hours. During these meetings the explorers receive instruction in various police topics. These topics and instruction are the same as what is taught to new police recruits in the police academy.
In order to join the program, an interested person must attend three consecutive meetings, and complete an application and have it notarized. At the fourth meeting the applicant is interviewed by members of the post, who then vote on whether to admit the applicant as a new member.
Once accepted, all new explorers serve a ninety day probation, during which time they are evaluated on the participation and contributions to post activities. Upon completion of probation, they are provided with a uniform similar to those worn by officers.
All explorers are required to complete a minimum number of volunteer hours each month. They also earn the privilege of participating in the Observer Ride a Long Program. This privilege is earned through participation in post activities and a testing process.
Post #912 are members of the Florida Association of Police Explorers. This is a state wide organization that holds quarterly shooting and training weekends around the state. There is also an annual week long competition where the explorers compete against other explorers in twelve different categories, with awards and trophies presented to the top posts in each category.
Anyone interested in joining the Police Explorers can contact the Youth Services Division at 541-0742 or 541-0852.
