Local Police Explorers Participate in Realistic Training Day
On Saturday, 01-10-15, the Hemet Police Explorers hosted a scenario training day. The event took place at Tahquitz High School and was attended by CHP Explorer Post-655, Officers, and parent observers from both programs.
All Explorer teams arrived early, attended briefing and were dispatched to a realistic call for service. Hemet Police Explorers responded to a call regarding a verbal dispute which then escalated to a stabbing with multiple victims and witnesses.
At the same time, CHP Explorers responded to a local Crime Broadcast regarding a stabbing that had just occurred with suspect and vehicle information. After observing the suspect vehicle, CHP Explorers conducted a Felony Stop on the vehicle with multiple occupants and weapons in the vehicle.
The scenarios were acted out by volunteer actors, in full make-up, from the Tahquitz High School Drama Department. Each actor was provided a realistic character biography and profile exposing Explorer Officers to a wide range of character responses throughout their investigations.
Explorer teams were observed and graded by Hemet Police & CHP Officers/Advisors, who volunteered their time to attend and assist with the event. Teams were graded on a number of categories such as Officer Safety and Tactics, Search & Seizure, Communications, and Investigative Procedures.
This event marked multiple firsts for the Hemet Police Explorers. This was the first event in which Explorers were exposed to a call in which they were expected to recognize (and put into practice) the concept of “Mutual Aid”, working and communicating with an outside agency. This was accomplished with the use Hemet Police Dispatcher, B. Hyatt, who provided realistic radio communications via radio for both Hemet and CHP Explorers.
Police Explorers are trained to recognize and request appropriate resources based on the situation. Explorers are awarded points for requesting those resources regardless if those resources are available to them during the event. As explorer teams conducting the felony stop requested K-9 assistance, they were surprised to discover a real life K-9 standing by and ready to respond and assist.
The day was concluded with a barbecue, which was hosted by Hemet Police Explorers (Post-910) and enjoyed by all in attendance.
A special thanks to Tahquitz High School and their Drama Department, without whom, this event would not have been possible.
Hemet PD Explorers are aged 14 – 20 years, of good character, maintain a min 2.5 GPA, and have made a commitment to attend weekly meetings and community events. For info on joining our team, see our web-page at www.hemetpolice.org under the Explorer Post 910 tab.