Program Overview
The Irvine Police Department (IPD) Explorers is a comprehensive volunteer program for teens interested in a career in law enforcement that includes training, competition, service, and practical experiences. Character development, physical fitness, good citizenship, patriotism, and volunteerism are integral components of the program. Explorers develop an awareness of law enforcement agencies’ purpose, mission, and objectives.
The IPD Explorer program offers a unique opportunity for young adults to work alongside law enforcement professionals. Using training provided by IPD, Explorers provide traffic control, assist at community events and DUI checkpoints, and provide support to various divisions of the Department. The Irvine Explorer Honor Guard represents IPD by presenting the Nation’s Colors at events.
The Explorer program routinely participates in team-building activities outside of the law enforcement training environment to build camaraderie. Activities include movie nights, Knott’s Berry Farm trips, and barbecues. Annually, Explorers attend the California Peace Officers’ Memorial in Sacramento as a part of a weekend-long trip.
While the program exposes participants to a career in law enforcement, the desire to pursue a career in policing is not required. Many former Explorers now serve the City of Irvine as police officers, dispatchers, traffic investigators, and public safety assistants. The training and experiences gained in the Explorer program are skills that extend beyond law enforcement to building life experience, confidence, and friendships.
The program is open to Irvine students and residents. We accept applications from students in the final semester of eighth grade, and Explorers typically remain in the program through high school graduation.
Orange County Explorer Academy
The Orange County Explorer Academy is held twice a year. The academy is a 5-day, high-stress training program that Explorers must complete within a year of joining the Explorer program. The academy includes drills, physical fitness, and academic training on K-9 teams, bomb squad, air support, DUI Investigation, gang enforcement, criminal law, and SWAT.
Upon completion of the academy, Explorers can participate in monthly patrol ride-a-longs and respond to calls for service with Irvine police officers and professional staff in the field.
- Drills
- Physical Fitness
- K-9 Training
- Bomb Squad Training
- Air Support Training
- DUI Investigation Training
- Gang Enforcement Training
- Criminal Law Training
- SWAT Training
If you would like additional information regarding the recruitment sessions and would like to be added to our interest list, please complete the form below. For more information about the program please email ipdexplorers@cityofirvine.org.
Interest Card
