The Douglas Police Department Officers held their Explorer Post information forum on Nov. 28 at the Douglas Visitor’s Center.

Ofc. Martin Villa explains to the group of new Douglas Explorers the various activities they will be involved in as Police Explorers. Trisha Maldonado/Douglas Dispatch

The DPD Explorer program is open to anyone between the ages of 14-20 and who have completed the eighth grade, with an interest in learning more about careers in law enforcement.

The Explorers provide educational training on the purposes, mission, and objectives of law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities.

The primary goals of the program are to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities.

The Explores program was first established in Douglas in 1979 with a lot of its members now working in law enforcement.

In 2010 the programs was dissolved due to lack of participation.

“I recently started working for the DPD about two years ago. This community has treated me and my family very well,” Ofc. Martin Villa said. “I saw that there was a need to express and to reach out to the community on my behalf, I decided to talk to the chief and got his approval (to restart the program) and I talked to the other advisors to bring back the explorer program, this is my way to give back to the community.”

“You will learn a lot about team members, it’s that bond that you will learn. You will care for each other when one hurts you all hurt,” Villa added. “When one is behind the pack another will go behind the pack and push him, we will teach you that. It’s with pride that we put this uniform on every day.”

The Explorers will have the opportunity to learn accident scene procedures, bomb threat response and proper equipment usage. They will also participate in ride-alongs, national events and competitions and community service.

“As Explorers you will have a lot fun but in law enforcement it’s ten percent fun and 90 percent paperwork,” Sgt. Jose Duarte told the group. “If you put commitment into this you guys will get a lot out of it.”

The next meeting will be held on Dec. 5 at the Visitor’s Center at 6 p.m.

If you are interested in joining the Police Explorers contact Ofc. Jamilette Barrios, Ofc. Maria Cuevas, Ofc. Oscar Ortega or Ofc. Martin Villa at (520) 417- 7550.