What is the Bensalem Police Explorer program?

The Police Explorer Program fosters a positive attitude toward law enforcement for members of our community who range from 14-20 years of age. The Police Explorer Program is designed for youth who want to develop a greater understanding of the Police Officer in society. Police Explorers participate in drug-free activities, interact with sworn and non-sworn members of the law enforcement community, and have the opportunity to perform community service at events and law enforcement functions.

The goal of the Police Explorer Program is to teach young adults the values needed to succeed in a law enforcement career and in life. The Bensalem Police Explorer Program is designed to teach young adults (male and female) who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement to the profession. The program is structured to provide law enforcement training and experience to the police Explorers through mentoring, classroom instruction and practical hands-on training.

Benefits:

• Building friendships
• Gain self-esteem
• Character development
• Self-Discipline
• Self-Confidence
• Self-Respect
• Develop leadership skills
• Lean the importance of Teamwork and the desire to help others
• Learn life skills
• Career opportunities
• Develop a positive attitude
• Physical and mental fitness
• Earn community service hours
• College & Career Readiness preparation
• Excellent references for job employment

Activities:

• Monthly meetings
• Parades and community events
• Participate in police-related activities
• Participate in Police Activities League
• Participate in ride-along program

Some of the Training Includes:

• Rules and Regulations
• Police History
• Ethics & Moral Issues
• Radio Procedures
• PA Criminal Justice System
• PA Crimes Code
• PA Motor vehicle Code
• Search and Seizure
• First Aid & CPR
• Arrest and search techniques
• Handcuffing
• Report Writing
• Crowd and Traffic Control
• Patrol Procedures
• Control Substance awareness and Identification
• Community public relations
• Evidence preservation and collection
• Field/grid searches
• Traffic stops
• Domestic disturbance
• Bomb and Explosive threats
• Crime Prevention
• Basic firearms safety
• Accident Investigation
• K-9
• Forensic Science
• Court Testimony
• DUI Investigations
• Fingerprint lifting
• Interviewing Techniques

Qualifications:

• Open to young adult’s ages 14, who graduated from 8^th grade, through age 20 OR ages 15 through 20.
• Must not have a prior conviction for a criminal offense or serious traffic offense.
• Must have and maintain a passing behavior and minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in school to remain in the program.
• Must undergo a thorough background review to access character and integrity that will include interviews with neighbors, teachers and employers.

Explorer Mission Statement

The mission of the Bensalem Township Police Department Explorer Post is to provide a positive relationship between Police Officers and Youth who wish to learn about a career in Law Enforcement.  The Bensalem Township Police Explorers will not discriminate against any race, creed religion or gender.  The Police Explorers will be required to be upstanding citizens within the community who maintain good grades, complete community volunteer hours, and have a desire to enter into law enforcement as a career.

The Bensalem Police Department Explorer Program is accepting applications, for becoming a Law Enforcement Explorer, with the Bensalem Police Department.

 Anyone interested in becoming an Explorer should attend one of the monthly meetings which are held between the hours of p.m. and p.m. (usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday) and the Bensalem Police Department Headquarters located at 2400 Byberry Rd. Bensalem, PA 19020. For additional information or questions contact the Bensalem Police Department by phone at (215) 633-3719 or e-mail Sergeant Adam Schwartz at Aschwartz@bensalempa.gov.