requirements

Law Enforcement Exploring is open to teens ages 14 through 20 years old. All 14-year-old participants must have already graduated from the eighth grade. 

Other requirements include:

• Person of good character and integrity. No arrest or conviction record for serious offenses or multiple minor offenses. No overall record of arrest(s), citation(s), drug use and other recent questionable history

• Must maintain a 2.0 GPA, with no failing grades (applicable to students).

• Submit to a thorough background investigation.

• Must sign a City of Simi Valley 'Hold Harmless and Release' and 'Learning for Life' form. The form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and/or the Explorer Candidate if of legal age.

• Be of good mental and physical health.

Background process

All potential candidates will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation which is conducted by Simi Valley Police Department Explorer Post Advisors. The background investigation consists of reviewing a personal history statement, Live Scan, contact with current or former school staff, employers, and personal references. 

Any discrepancies or failure to be truthful, is grounds for immediate and indefinite disqualification.  

How to apply

All prospective candidates are encouraged to attend a Post meeting. Meetings are held every Monday from 5 PM - 7 PM. Excluding holidays. Meetings are held at the Simi Valley Police Department, 3901 Alamo Street in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

At a Post meeting, prospective candidates will be given an application packet and provided additional information on the background process. 

In the background process, candidates will be required to complete several documents, a one-page handwritten essay answering why you want to be an SVPD Explorer, an interview with fellow Explorers and Explorer Advisors, and Live Scan fingerprinting.

Please see our meeting schedule posted under the EVENTS tab.

*Prospective Candidates will be expected to be present at the Post meeting for the duration of the meeting (two hours) unless prior arraignments are made.

Donate to the Russ McClellan Memorial Scholarship

The Simi Valley Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of distinguished Police Volunteer Russ McClellan. Russ, a dedicated member of the Simi Valley Police Department Volunteer Program, began his journey on January 18, 2013. Throughout his tenure, he shouldered diverse responsibilities, dedicating a remarkable total of 4,718 volunteer hours to both the Simi Valley Police Department and the wider community it serves. His unwavering dedication and passion for public safety were unparalleled. Russ played pivotal roles within the department, serving as an integral member of the Citizens on Patrol, Police Explorer Post Advisor, and Letter of Agency Coordinator. He also fulfilled the responsibilities of Training Officer for new Police Department Volunteers. Notably, Russ coined the phrase “stay alert, stay safe” for the department’s crime prevention program. His adaptability and eagerness to embrace diverse assignments underscored his unwavering commitment to enhancing Simi Valley. Beyond his official duties, Russ McClellan’s impact extended to his wisdom, strong work ethic, genuine concern for others, and quick wit. Colleagues and community members alike have expressed their gratitude for his tireless efforts and the positive atmosphere he fostered within the force. His exemplary service garnered multiple commendations and awards, including the titles of Volunteer of the Year in 2019 and 2020, highlighting his exceptional commitment to the SVPD volunteer program. His mentorship within the Police Explorer Post significantly impacted numerous young individuals, guiding them toward successful academic and vocational endeavors.

The organization is a nonprofit 501©(3), ensuring that all contributions are tax-deductible1.