Police Explorer program gives youth a taste of law enforcement careers

Zachary Orr has wanted to be a police officer since he was a young child.

Now, the 18-year-old is getting first-hand experience in what he hopes to make his career. While the 2015 Puyallup High grad is working security at the Target in Federal Way, he is also currently serving as captain of the Puyallup Police Department’s Explorer’s post.

For the last four and a half years, Orr has served his community as a PPD explorer. He’s trained just like a police officer, only at a slower rate.

“In training, we do traffic stops, domestic dispute calls and building searches. It’s just taken at a slower rate due to our age,” Orr said.

Officers even take Explorers to the gun range to teach them gun safety, and take the students on police ride-alongs.

“The gun range is something all of the Explorers look forward to,” Orr said.

Puyallup Police Explorer Post #530 is part of Learning for Life’s Law Enforcement Career Exploring program, an organization that allows students to explore law enforcement and other career fields.

“The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities and the nation,” the department’s website said.

In addition to training events, Explorers meet every Thursday at the Puyallup Police Department. In his role as captain, Orr and advisers from PPD head up the meetings. Explorers also provide additional security at Puyallup events such as Meeker Days or the annual Good Guys Car Show.

Orr says it’s a great way to give back to his community.

In order to become one of PPD’s Explorers, applicants must be between 14 to 21 years old, have a grade point average of at least 2.5, parent permission, commit to at least 15 hours a month, and more. Once applicants get through the application process, new Explorers go on a three-month probation period before joining the ranks of the Explorers.

When asked if the Explorers program is the best preparation to get into law enforcement some day, Orr said, “One-hundred percent, absolutely. It’s the best program for it. It’s like ROTC but for law enforcement.”

In addition to getting a jump on training for his career, Orr is able to serve as a leader for his peers.

“It’s great to be a part of the other Explorers’ experience,” he said. “Seeing them when they start to when they finish and seeing how much they know, it’s a great experience.”

Orr gave simple advice to those interested in becoming an Explorer.

“Take it seriously, and work really hard,” he said. “Stay in school, stay out of trouble and keep your grades up.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Police Explorer program gives youth a taste of law enforcement careers."