Hanford CHP is starting an explorer program for young adults
HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- The California Highway Patrol in Hanford is starting a CHP Explorer program for teens and young adults.
John Tyler, the Public Information Officer, explained that the closes CHP Explorer program is in Visalia.
"The Visalia CHP Explorer program really covers the whole South Valley," Tyler said. "So we will be dividing up those duties here in Hanford."
Expanding into Hanford will give more young adults a chance to see if law enforcement is the right career path.
"It gives them a front row seat because they get to go on ride alongs,' Tyler explained. "They get to be in the office and work with the officers as we do the community events and fundraiser and traffic control details. They get to see exactly the job that they are interested in doing."
However, they will also get trained and see what the officers go through.
"The explorers will be trained in a number of different areas, physical methods of arrest, first responder medical training, physical fitness and a number of other things that show them and expose them to the job of being a CHP officer," he said.
Cyrena Lopez has been in the Visalia Explorer program for a year now and by doing so this has helped her realized law enforcement is the path for her.
"Being a CHP Explorer I needed to pursue a career in law enforcement and I say that it gave me that direction because being a CHP explorer you get to have the first-hand experience with CHP officers," she said.
Tyler mentioned besides getting a small taste of the CHP world the explorer program also shapes these young men and woman into leaders.
"Well it develops the youth and it teaches them life skills," he said. "It teaches them things they will need in any job they choose, whether it be Highway Patrol or something else."
Tyler explained they do not have a set number of explores but are looking for those between the ages of 15 to 21 interested in a career in law enforcement to apply.
Lopez said she would encourage individuals to go through the program.
"This explorer program gives you an appreciation for the justice program and all the aspects of law enforcement," she said.
The explorers will also be able to compete against other explorer programs. Competitions consist of law enforcement scenarios such as building searches, foot pursuits, patrol car driving, felony traffic stops, DUI Investigations, and athletic events.
Other requirements for explorers include having at least a 2.0 GPA, no alcohol or drug use, good citizenship, and no felony convictions.
Anyone interested in this program is asked to call Officer Vince Roeber at the Hanford CHP Office at 559-582-0231 or email at VRoeber@CHP.ca.gov.
