The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Explorer Academy is a 15-week program where young adults learn more about the Sheriff’s Department. The academy is held every Saturday once started.
The next academy will be held at STARS Center in Whittier starting Saturday, Feb. 24. Once the recruit graduates, they will be assigned to the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station.
In order to participate in the academy, the recruit must:
- Be between the ages of 14 and 19
- Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Have no serious criminal record/probation
- Must pass a drug screening
- Must submit to a background check
The Explorers will be trained in laws, searching/handcuffing, writing reports, handling calls for service (domestic violence, family disturbance, felony traffic stops, active shooters, assaults, etc.).
When trained, they can go on “ride-alongs” with full time deputies on patrol in La Cañada Flintridge or La Crescenta. As the Explorer gains experience, they have the opportunity to go on ride-alongs at other stations throughout the county.
The Crescenta Valley Station Explorers also assist with numerous community events such as the La Cañada Fiesta Days Parade, La Cañada Turkey Trot, National Night Out and the CV Station’s Haunted Jail.
Meetings are usually held every second and fourth Monday of each month, excluding holidays, school commitments, family obligations, etc.
Over the years, CV Sheriff’s Station Explorers have gone on to the Naval Academy, Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. Several of our Explorers have graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy and become Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, San Diego County sheriff’s deputies, Glendale Police officers and Los Angeles Police officers.
For more information, contact Explorer Coordinator Deputy Marcelo Ruiz at (818) 236-4026.
First published in the December 9 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
