EXPLORER POST 449

In May of 1959 the Orange County Sheriff's Department formed the first law enforcement explorer post in the nation, for career-oriented young adults, age 14 through 20. Members are referred to as "Explorers." It is a co-educational, young adult program supervised by Lake Forest police services and provides an opportunity for young adults to explore the law enforcement field.

Explorer Post 449 is sponsored by Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and the Orange County Sheriff's Department as a community-based policing program. This successful program is designed to educate and involve young men and women in police operations. Explorers learn leadership skills and personal responsibilities.

Explorers can broaden their understanding and firsthand knowledge of the challenges and job skills that make up their community's police services. In addition to gaining a working knowledge of police work the participants have the opportunity to provide a service to their community. Although Post 449 is law enforcement oriented, Explorers are volunteers and do not serve as police employees, sworn or civilian. Explorers receive training in leadership, patrol procedures, first-aid, laws of arrest, ride-a-longs with patrol officers, and annual Explorer Academy regional and national competitions. Explorers gain a sense of pride in our community and county and are taught individual responsibilities.

Typical duties include:

• Administrative duties at department facilities
• Community service
• Crime prevention fairs
• Crowd control at parades
• Directing traffic
• Neighborhood clean up