Explorer Post

About the PostCastle Rock PD Explorers and one officer pose on a polaris at the 2022 National Night Out event.

Explorers assist the Police Department by working Town events and community service projects. Any 13 to 20-year-old with an interest in law enforcement is welcome to attend an orientation. The Castle Rock Police Department Explorer Post began in early 2004 with eight members. The unit has continued to grow through the years, winning many national competitions along the way.

Explorers learn every aspect of law enforcement from police officers and command staff. The explorer command staff is extensively trained in all areas to perform peer-to-peer training. Explorers receive community service credit, which can be used toward high school graduation or college requirements.

This is a para-military organization with strict discipline that is run similarly to a police department. Explorers meet every Wednesday night from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Facility. Advisors (active-duty police officers, SROs, detectives and K9 officers) work with Explorers every week to train on skills such as arrest control, firearms, crime scene investigation, pedestrian contacts, criminal law, traffic stops and much more. We also do physical fitness weekly and encourage the kids to continue working out on their own.

Joining the Post

To join the Post, your child will attend three meetings as an observer and experience what it is like to be an Explorer. After the third meeting, your child will participate in an oral board interview with Post's command staff and advisors. Attendance is required at all meetings and several annual Town events. If meetings are going to be missed, it must be with approved leave (school function, family vacation, etc.). The Post is very disciplined, and there is a definite time commitment.

There is a $75 cost upon acceptance to the program. The Explorer/Explorer's family is responsible for the purchase of some of the duty equipment (duty belt, boots, holster, flashlight, notepad, pens, etc.). We provide the uniforms, vests and some of the equipment needed.

Please let us know if your child would like to join our training meetings, and we will schedule them a visit at our next orientation! Please have them wear a white button-down shirt and black slacks and bring a water bottle. We look forward to helping them on the next step towards their goals!

Upcoming Orientation: TBDNNO

Check back regularly for updates regarding the next Explorer Orientation. Explorer candidates and at least one parent/guardian are invited to attend. At this orientation, we will go over the following:

  • Rules and expectations
  • Process to join
  • Demonstrations and equipment review
  • Onboarding procedure
  • Uniform requirements
  • Time commitment
  • Trainings and events

Dress is casual. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided.

Requirements

Each explorer must:

  • Complete an oral board with post command staff
  • Have no criminal history
  • Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, or have a diploma or GED
  • Be between the ages of 13 to 20 years old

More Information