Explorer Post #604
POST Rules and Regulations
Advisor Deputy Dan Lyon
I. A. Explorer Code
As an Explorer:
I believe that America's strength lies in her trust in God and in the courage and
strength of her people.
I will therefore, be faithful in my sense of honor in my own life.
I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and
enrich it.
I will recognize the dignity and worth of my fellow people, and will use fair play and goodwill in dealing with them.
I will acquire the exploring attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.
B. Rules
1. Objectives
The objectives of the Sheriff's Explorer Post are:
A. Explore the profession of Law Enforcement.
B. Take pride and dignity in what we do.
C. Serve the community.
D. Possess leadership, integrity, goodwill and courage.
E. Set examples.
F. Plan our future careers.
G. Expand our self-discipline and maturity.
II. Membership
Membership shall be open to all young adults attending school, college or an alternative education program, who reside in Monroe County and are 14 years of age to 20 years of age. Prospective members must maintain a C average or passing grade in school. Evidence may be requested at the discretion of the advisors. No member may be disqualified because of race, color, creed or sex. The member shall have no misdemeanor or felony arrest. The members must be registered as an Explorer and agree to the post code and rules. The post size will be limited to 35 members. New people beyond this number may join as an associate member until a vacancy becomes available. Assignment will be at the discretion of the post advisors. All members of the post will serve a six month probationary period in which:
1. The member's attendance will be monitored.
2. The member may not take a leave of absence for more than thirty days at a time. Leave may not be extended during the probationary period.
3. At the end of the probationary period, the member will be reviewed by the advisors and the post officers. During that time, the member's attendance, participation and general attitude toward the post and its functions will be looked at. In the event that the member does not meet the minimum requirements as stated in the rules, the member may be asked to tender their resignation.
III. Officers
The officers of the Post shall be as follows: Captain, Lieutenant, and two Sergeants. To be eligible to be in a ranked position, you must be a member in good standing and a member of the post for 7 months and for the position of Captain one year. The officers serve for a term of one year and shall be reviewed at that time by the advisors and the post members in the form of constructive criticism. All officers will be on probation for a period of 4 months. All officers must attend mandatory training as to their responsibilities. No member may hold more than one position at one time unless requested by an advisor. An attendance rating of less than 60% for two consecutive quarters may be considered a resignation from office. If during their term, the officer is found by the advisors to be performing in a manner not becoming as an Explorer or unable to hold the office, the case will be reviewed and the officer may be removed from the position.
IV. Resignation of Officer
If an officer feels that they can no longer hold a position that they have been elected to or have to vacate a position for other reasons (moving, illness, leave of absence) a letter of resignation will be forwarded to the advisors by the next scheduled meeting or function. The position will be filled by a post member at the discretion of the advisor until a new election is scheduled.
V. Election of Officers
All members interested in holding a position of Post Officer shall submit in writing a request with qualifications to be considered to the post advisors the week following the announcement of an election. Elections will be held the first meeting of the month of October of each year. Each candidate will have an opportunity to give a short speech to their post member prior to the election at that meeting. All elections will be by secret ballot. Only people in good standing and in attendance at the business meeting will be able to vote. There will be no absentee ballots. The person with the most votes shall be elected to the position pending advisor approval.
VI. Oath of Office
I (state your full name) do promise to perform all duties of the position of (state office) to the best of my abilities. I further promise to uphold the rules stated by law enforcement police explorer post number (post #) and the laws and constitution of the State of New York, Monroe County and the United States of America. I promise to work to guarantee the success and future of this post so help me God.
VII. General Meetings
There will be two general post meetings each month at a location designated by the advisors. All explorers will be in uniform unless otherwise directed by the advisors. Any member not in proper uniform shall not receive credit for attendance.
VIII. Attendance
A member in good standing shall attend at least 50% of all business meetings and 75% of all other post functions. A member must contact their immediate supervisor in the event that they will be missing a business meeting or scheduled function other than social events. A member missing 3 consecutive meetings or events without an excused absence faces possible suspension from the post. The post Sergeant will submit a special report to the Lieutenant for all unexcused absences. All suspensions are subject to review by post officers and advisors.
IX. Dues
Dues will be collected by the platoon Sergeant at the beginning of each new month in the amount of $2.00. If there is a problem, please see an advisor. All members delinquent in their dues may be suspended and possibly removed from the post. All dues are non-refundable. The dues will be used for post equipment and anything else that the post deems necessary. Expenditure of dues requires a majority vote by members in good standing. The dues will be turned over to the post advisors for the deposit into an account established for the post.
X. Money-Earning Project
All money earning projects must be approved by the advisors and a vote of the post members. If for some reason you leave the post, any money earned stays with the post. You must participate in 75% of all details for project earnings to benefit from the use of monies. (I.e.: If you only participate in 3 details and there are 20, you will not be able to use the money you helped raise toward a trip per say, i.e.: The explorer convention).
XI. Uniform
The post uniform to be worn shall be as follows:
Long sleeve light blue shirt
White T-shirt underneath or other white shirt without print that cannot be seen
Name tag worn above right pocket
Service awards worn above nametag
Navy or black Uniform pants
Black or navy socks
Black shoes (no slip on shoes)
Black clip-on tie with tie bar
Black leather belt
There will be no smoking permitted when in uniform. Explorers will be expected to maintain a neat and professional appearance at all post functions. Excessive jewelry or inappropriate hairstyles will not be permitted in order to maintain a safe and professional decorum for the entire post.
All female members may only wear one earring in each ear and one ring on each hand. All female members with hair that is longer than the collar of their uniform shirt must wear their hair up when in uniform.
Male members shall keep their hair short and neat as would be becoming of an explorer. Hair may touch, but not fall more than one inch below the top of the ear and not fall more than one-half inch below the top of the collar. No earrings shall be permitted when in uniform. Beards and goatees are prohibited. If a member is told that their appearance is unacceptable by an advisor, the problem must be remedied by the next meeting or function. A member not displaying a neat, professional and complete uniform will not be allowed to receive credit for that meeting or function and will be required to complete a special report due at the following meeting. No pagers or cell phones are to be on during the meetings.
The Explorer uniform may only be worn at approved Explorer functions and to and from said functions. Any other use of the Explorer uniform or any Monroe County Sheriff's Office issued equipment including but not limited to patches, tie bars, and nametags is strictly prohibited.
When in uniform you represent all Explorers and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Any inappropriate action will be dealt with according to the Explorer rules and the advisors.
XII. Equipment
Any equipment issued to the explorer for his or her use must be returned to the post within thirty days of the member's resignation/dismissal from the post. Equipment that is assigned by the Lieutenant at a post function will be returned at the end of the detail. Such equipment may consist of but not limited to a portable radio, a flashlight and traffic vest.
All equipment assigned to an explorer for an event or for use in the post will be signed for by the explorer. The explorer will assume responsibility for all equipment assigned to them. If equipment is damaged or lost, the explorer will fill out a special report given to the Lieutenant prior to the explorer going home from the detail or meeting. The Lieutenant will forward same to the Captain and Captain will notify the advisors.
Negligence in the care of equipment on the part of the explorer could result in suspension of the member of payment for the repair or replacement of the equipment. In addition to the equipment assigned, each explorer will be required to bring a small notebook (3"x5") and two black pens to all meetings and post functions.
XIII. Officer Responsibilities
Captain:
A. Perform all the necessary duties of the office.
B. Plan and conduct regular business meetings in consulation of the advisors.
C. Keep the post running smoothly.
D. Must handle all situations calmly and maturely.
E. Be a liaison between the post and the advisors.
F. Attend all LEA meetings (1st Monday of month) and report to the post the agenda of the meeting.
G. Attend all post business meetings and functions.
H. In the event that an event of meeting cannot be attended you must notify the advisor as soon as possible and every attempt must be made to get a replacement.
I. Introduce all guest speakers or appoint someone to do it.
J. Execute all drills or special events.
K. Share the responsibility of leading the post with your officers; they are there to assist you.
L. Have general supervision of the members and the equipment of the police explorers.
M. Perform his or her duties under the supervision of the advisors.
N. Shall administer penalties and fines as he or she sees their necessity under the authority of these rules.
O. Shall maintain order and discipline within the post.
P. Set an example for the members of the post, by following all of the rules and standards set by these rules and your advisors.
Q. Shall be the official representative of the post and shall attend county, state and national events when possible.
Lieutenant:
A. Take over business meetings in the absence of the Captain.
B. Serve under the Captain and fill his or her post in the event of his or her absence.
C. Help new members feel welcome and follow up on members that have lost interest.
D. Be responsible for two platoons as assigned by the post advisors.
E. Oversee financial and attendance records of the platoons and report and problems or discrepancies to the Captain.
F. Refer delinquent dues or attendance to the Captain.
G. Make sure there are explorers to attend a function or fund raising detail.
H. Take over responsibilities of the platoon Sergeants in the event of their absence.
I. Maintain equipment records (sign out, repair).
J. Assign and collect equipment at a post detail.
K. Notify Captain of lost or damaged equipment.
L. See that the explorers and the post equipment are operating at the peak of efficiency and report and discrepancies to the Captain.
M. Recruitment of new members.
Sergeant:
A. Fill in for the Lieutenant in the event of his or her absence.
B. Maintain attendance records for his or her platoon.
C. Collect all dues from the platoon members and maintain financial records of all monies collected and turned over to the post advisors.
D. Contact all members of their platoon to notify them of upcoming events and meetings.
E. Shall contact members of the platoon to ascertain who will be attending business meetings and functions of the post and report same to the Lieutenant.
F. Report all unexcused absences to the Lieutenant in a timely manner (by the next meeting or event).
G. Report delinquencies in dues in writing to Lieutenant in a timely manner.
H. Collect activity ideas from the platoon members and work with other members in making the ideas reality.
I. Follow his or her Captain's or Lieutenant's orders unless injury could result. Any concerns should be resolved by the officers. Advisors should be consulted immediately if orders are inappropriate or results in conflicts which cannot be resolved.
XIV. Leave of Absence
If a member needs to take a leave of absence because of school, illness or other personal reasons may do so by writing a letter to their Sergeant or Supervisor requesting such. The leave request must state the date to start and finish and why it is being requested. A leave of absence cannot be for more than sixty days. A leave of absence request shall be forwarded immediately through the chain of command to the advisors. The request will be reviewed and granted if the advisors feel it is necessary. In the event that the request is personal it may be directed to the advisors directly.
XV. General Rules
A. There will be no inappropriate behavior at a business meeting or post function.
B. Explorers may not ride in department vehicles unless in an approved ride along or under permission of an advisor.
C. Explorers may not handle firearms unless working with a trained police officer during a drill.
D. Explorers may not respond to a call that the Sheriff's Office or other agency is dispatched to unless in an approved ride along.
E. Explorers may not drive a police car.
F. Explorers may assist the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in any community service project when asked to do so. An explorer may assist another agency with a project pending advisor approval.
G. All requests for the post to participate in a community event are to be submitted to the Captain to be voted on by the members and approved by the advisors.
H. An explorer will:
A. Report his or her presence to an explorer officer at all meetings and functions.
B. Be assured of insurance coverage upon processing of the membership application at all post functions.
C. Not participate in post functions until that insurance is in effect.
D. NOT perform any act that will discredit the post, the members or the Sheriff's Office.
E. Be given credit for all post functions when released by the officer in charge.
I. An explorer will report all police contact immediately to an advisor. A special report may be requested at the discretion of the advisor.
J. Members wishing to bring a guest to a regular post meeting must get approval from an adult supervisor prior to the function. Guest must be at least 14 years of age and will be approved on an individual basis. Each approval is on a one-time basis unless otherwise stated.
K. An adult advisor will be present at all post functions.
XVI. Standing committees
Standing committees will be appointed by the Captain or an officer acting under direction of the Captain. A committee head will be assigned and he or she will report to the post Captain keeping him or her aware of the committees actions. The Captain shall report same to the advisors.
XVII. Funds
All monies collected by the Sergeant or Lieutenant will be forwarded to the advisors for deposit into a designated post account. All monies earned by the post will be treated as such also. Expenditure of post-earned monies will be voted on by the membership. All funds are the property of the post. In the event that the post is dissolved, the money earned or collected will be used by the Sheriff's Office to start a new post.
XVIII. Discharge of members
A. If a member is found to have severely violated any of the standing rules as stated in these by laws, discipline will result up to and including expulsion from the post.
B. If a member falls below the standards of attendance or payment of dues, for two quarters without improvement, the explorer will be dismissed from the post.
C. Any member arrested by a police agency will be suspended pending adjudication and final disposition and may be dishonorably discharged.
D. Any member may resign by a written request to the Sergeant of their platoon. If all obligations are met, he or she will be honorably discharged.
E. An honorable discharged member may be reinstated by meeting membership requirements.
XIX. Chain of Command
Advisors (or designee)
Post Captain
Post Lieutenant
Post Sergeant
Post Members
XX. Amendments
Amendments may be added to these laws upon review of the advisors and majority acceptance of the post membership.
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