The challenge consisted of 35 Explorer teams from all over California and as far away as Honolulu Hawaii. The Challenge is a skills competition to pit teams of Explorers against each other, to see how much they have learned and retained from their training.
The Explorers performed in
scenarios
similar to calls handled by police officers. Some of the scenarios
were; hostage negotiations, active shooter, domestic violence, high risk
felony vehicle stops, driving under the influence, traffic stops,
burglary investigation, bus assault, vehicle search, interacting with
people who have mental disorders, and an obstacle course. The Explorers
were evaluated on their ability to properly perform the needed actions
to address the problem or resolve the situation.Once again, The Sonora Police Department’s Explorers Post showed their knowledge and skills in several different areas. However, it’s not without excellent training and guidance from Reserve Sgt. Glenn Roberts, Officer Jake Ostoich, Officer Brandon Norris, Officer Jonathan Ma, and other members of the Sonora Police Department; along with allied law enforcement personnel in Tuolumne County, that make this program possible.
A special thanks to local business owners John Popke and Gordon Winningham, who donated time, facilities and materials to help prepare the Explorers for this event.
This year, the Sonora Police Department Explorers placed in three different events. They took first in Vehicle Search, third in DUI Investigation, and third in Bus Assaults. Below are the members of the winning teams.
First Place-Vehicle Search-Team Members
Robby Roberts
Tyler Pinckney
Tim Hollis
Sarah Sutton
Third Place-DUI Investigation-Team Members
Robby Roberts
Krysta May
Third Place- Bus Assault-Team Members
Robby Roberts
Tyler Pinckney
Sarah Sutton
Nick Craggikn
Tim Hollis
Krysta May
This was a great day for the Sonora Police Department’s Explorers to show off what they have learned, while having the opportunity to interact with other Explorers from other areas of the State and Hawaii.
The Explorer program is part of the Boy Scouts of America. Participation in a Police Explorer program can open many doors and present many opportunities to an individual seeking a career in law enforcement. It also exposes young adults to the law enforcement environment, allowing them to determine if this is a career path they want to follow. Several people who have participated in Police Explorer programs have progressed onto rewarding careers in law enforcement.
If you are age 14-21, and interested in joining the Sonora Police Department’s Explorer program, you may call the Sonora Police Department at 532-8141 and ask to speak with Reserve Sgt. Roberts.
