WILLIAMSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT EXPLORER POST #151
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 6 - PROGRAMS AND TRAINING
6.01 Ride-Along Program
6.02 Shooting Program
6.03 Training Policy
CHAPTER 6
PROGRAMS AND TRAINING
6.01 RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM
A. Purpose
1. To provide the Law Enforcement Explorer with a
first-hand knowledge of the patrol functions as
well as a broader knowledge of basic police
procedures.
2. To supplement classroom training in basic police
procedures through observation and conversation
with police during their performance of patrol
duties.
3. To foster mutual respect between community youth
and the criminal justice system.
B. Eligibility Requirements
1. An Explorer must be at least 15 years of age, an
active Explorer, and be in good standing with the
Post.
2. The Explorer must have successfully completed the
basic training program. The Explorer will
demonstrate an understanding of the rules and
procedures of the Ride-Along Program by passing
the basic training program examination with a
minimum 75% passing score.
3. The Explorer must successfully complete the new
member probationary period to be able to
participate in the Ride-Along Program.
4. A Release of Liability and an Agreement of
Understanding of the rules and procedures of the
Ride-Along Program must be signed by the Explorer.
His/her parents or legal guardians must sign if the
Explorer is under 18 years of age. This will be
filed in the Explorer's file. The Liability
Release must be notarized.
5. A Medical Release must be on file for each
Explorer regardless of age. This release
authorizes any W.C.S.D. Deputy to obtain
emergency medical treatment for the Explorer.
This release will be notarized and filed in the
Explorer's file.
6. An Explorer must have attended and be shown
present at one of the two regularly scheduled
meetings prior to the ride along.
C. Scheduling
1. All Explorers MUST ride at-least a total of eight
hours each month. Explorers have the option of
riding a full eight hour shift or two four hour
shifts. If the Explorer signs up to ride with a
Deputy and the Deputy is unable to have an
Explorer ride, that Explorer MUST reschedule a
ride-along at a different time.
2. Any Explorer who is eligible and desires to
participate in the Ride-Along Program will
contact the Sergeant in charge of sign-ups at a
regularly scheduled meeting. The Explorer will
let the Sergeant know the name of the Deputy
he/she desires to ride with.
3. The Post Lieutenant will help verify the
requested Deputies work schedule to confirm that
the Deputy is working on the requested date and
time.
4. At that time the Explorer Sergeant will fill out
a Ride Request form for the Deputy named and will
place this form in the Deputy's box.
5. The Explorer Sergeant will also fill out a
Summary Explorer Ride Request form. This will be
placed in the Sergeant's box whom is in charge of
that particular shift. A copy of this form will
also be made for the Advisor and Post Captain.
6. If circumstances arise where the requested Deputy
is unable to have an Explorer ride, the Deputy
will make a note on the Ride Request Form and
place it in the Explorer box. The Explorer
Captain will then let that Explorer know of the
canceled ride.
7. The Explorer will report to the briefing room for
the shift briefing on the scheduled date 15
minutes prior to the scheduled ride-along time.
The Explorer will identify him/herself to the
Deputy as the Explorer scheduled to ride.
8. In the event the Explorer reports to briefing as
scheduled and the assigned Deputy is not
available to have an Explorer ride, the Explorer
may be assigned to another Deputy at the
discretion of the shift supervisor.
D. Deputy Qualification and Selection
1. Ride-Along Deputies are sworn officers of the
Williamson County Sheriff's Department who have
at least one year of patrol experience with this
Department.
2. Explorers are only permitted to conduct Ride-Alongs
with authorized WCSD employees. Ride-Alongs with
outside law enforcement agencies is prohibited.
3. All Deputies and Officers must be positive
representatives of the law enforcement profession
and capable of providing a favorable image of law
enforcement to youth and the community.
E. Deputy Responsibility
1. The assigned Deputy is responsible for the safety
and well being of the Explorer during the
Ride-Along period.
2. The assigned Deputy will report any
commendations, complaints, disagreements, or
unusual incidents concerning the Explorer or the
program itself to the Post Captain and or the
Post Advisor as soon as possible.
3. The Ride-Along Deputy is encouraged to discuss
with the Explorer the importance of shift
briefing to include duty assignment, previous
calls, warrants, stolen property, security check
list, and special events.
4. The Ride-Along Deputy is encouraged to
demonstrate for the Explorer an equipment
readiness check to include the vehicles, weapons,
radio, fire and first aid gear, and to report or
replace non-working or unsafe equipment.
5. The Explorer participates in the Ride-Along
Program as an observer and assistant to the
Deputy. The Explorer may fulfill various duties
as determined by the assigned Deputy. These may
include, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
a. Traffic control
b. Crowd control
c. Operation of the radio
d. Assist motorist
e. Complete routine paperwork
f. Act as an interpreter
g. Interviewing witnesses and gathering
information
Explorers should not:
a. Interrogate suspects
b. Maintain custody of any suspect
c. Under any circumstances, leave the police
vehicle unless permitted to do so by the
assigned Deputy or a supervisor
d. Assist in any scene unless permitted to do so
by the assigned Deputy
e. Carry a firearm
f. Assist in providing cover for any possible
crime in progress.
g. Drive a city vehicle.
6. Should a Deputy determine an Explorer to be
unsuitable to ride, the Deputy will return the
Explorer to the station. The Deputy should send
a memorandum to the Post Advisor briefly
explaining the reason for the Explorer being
unsuitable to ride. Unsuitability may include,
BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
a. Violation of any part of the Explorer Manual
of this Ride-Along guideline.
b. Failure to follow a lawful order of the
Deputy or a supervisor.
c. Immaturity.
d. Placing him/herself and or the Deputy in an
unreasonable and or dangerous situation.
7. An Explorer who is found to be unsuitable to ride
will be immediately suspended from all riding
privileges. The Post Advisor will conduct an
investigation and disciplinary action may follow
as outlined in this manual. The Explorer may not
ride again until cleared to do so by the Post
Advisor.
8. In the event of a high risk call, the assigned
Deputy has the discretion to choose one of the
two options to insure the safety of the Explorer
based on the totality of the situation at that
time:
Option 1: The Explorer will remain in the police
vehicle and observe. The Explorer
will not exit the police vehicle until
the assigned Deputy has determined
that the situation is safe and under
control. Then, the Explorer may only
do so on the verbal permission and
authority of the assigned Deputy or a
supervisor. In the case of an
emergency, the Explorer may radio
dispatch to send additional patrol
units.
Option 2: Upon receiving a dispatched call of a
felony in progress, shooting, armed
robbery, etc., where the risk factors
are increased, the Deputy will pull
over to the first safe and convenient
location and radio the position of the
Explorer and then continue to the
call. In no event shall the Deputy
engage or participate in a pursuit
while an Explorer is present in the
vehicle.
F. General Rules
a. Explorers are strictly prohibited from riding as
civilians with the W.C.S.D. at any time.
b. When another Explorer activity is scheduled,
Explorers will not be permitted to participate in
the Ride-Along Program.
c. Explorers riding for the first time must ride
with a Post Advisor for a minimum of 32 hours
before riding with another approved Ride-Along
Deputy. The Explorer shall ride at least 16
hours with the Day Shift Advisor and 16 hours
with the Evening Shift Advisor.
d. Explorers may ride on Midnight Shift after they
have logged at least 24 hours with the Midnight
Shift Advisor and must be off Probationary
Status.
e. The Explorer must be in a clean, pressed, and
complete uniform before being allowed to ride.
The Explorer must also be equipped with a
whistle, notebook, two black ink pens,
flashlight, handcuffs, radio, and all leather
gear that has been issued.
f. Probationary members may ride on patrol, out of
uniform, for the first three months. However,
they made not exceed 16 hours of patrol without
wearing a uniform. When the probationary member
has acquired his/her uniform, he/she may not ride
more than 8 hours a month unless they have
cleared this with the Advisor.
g. When an Explorer is riding during meal hours, the
Explorer shall be prepared with money to break at
a local restaurant.
h. All Explorers will be required to complete all
reports while on patrol. These reports will be
completed the day of patrol and shall be placed
in the report folder which may be found in the
Explorer box. If an Explorer assist a Deputy by
filling out a report, the Explorer may make a
copy of the report and turn it in. However, if
the Deputy wishes to complete the report the
Explorer must still fill out the proper report
and turn it in. Any and all paperwork the
Explorer completes shall be copied and turned in.
This includes the Daily Activity Report.
Explorers must fill out at least one report,
i.e.. Accident, Arrest, Domestic Violence,
Missing Child, Missing Person/Runaway, or Offense
Report. A "Tow-In Report", Receipt for
D.L/Plates/Registration, and Complaint Affidavit
are not classified as reports.
i. An Explorer found to be in violation of any part
of these Ride-Along policies will be immediately
suspended from riding privileges until he/she is
reinstated by the Post Advisor. Disciplinary
action may follow as outlined in this manual.
11. Conduct
a. The Law Enforcement Explorer is a representative
of the W.C.S.D. The Explorer shall maintain a
professional attitude and demeanor in accordance
with the code of conduct of the Explorer Manual.
Tact, patience, and courtesy shall be observed
under all circumstances.
b. The Explorer must follow the assigned Deputy's
directions regardless of his/her personal
feelings, prior training, or experience.
c. The Explorer must report any disagreement or
argument with the Ride-Along Deputy to the Post
Advisor as soon as possible.
d. The Explorer and Ride-Along Deputy will notify
the Post Advisor as soon as possible should any
unusual problems occur, for example: traffic
accident, Explorer or Deputy injury, or any
unacceptable Explorer or Deputy actions.
e. The Explorer, at no time, will place him/herself
in a situation that may cause bodily harm to
him/herself unless it is to assist a Deputy in
distress.
6.02 SHOOTING PROGRAM
A. The National Law Enforcement Exploring Committee, the
Police Activities Division, and the Air Gun Committee
of the N.R.A., have developed a Pistol Shooting
Program which provides Explorers the opportunity to
acquire an appreciation for the safety aspects of
firearms through a number of methods:
1. A CO2 revolver qualification program.
2. A .38 caliber qualification program.
B. Each course of fire has been designed specifically
for the Explorer program and affords qualifying
Explorers a chance to earn the accompanying bars and
certificates.
C. Chartered Law Enforcement Explorer Post may affiliate
with the N.R.A. to participate in a wide range of
shooting programs offered by the N.R.A. to their
junior shooters.
D. Each year the National Law Enforcement Explorer
Pistol Shooting Program conducts its national
championships. They are conducted at the National
Law Enforcement Explorer Conference. In years when a
National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference is not
scheduled, the championships are conducted at the
National Explorer Olympics.
E. Top shooters from the National Law Enforcement
Explorer Pistol Shooting Championships are invited
for a unique training experience at the United States
Olympic Training Center at Colorado Springs,
Colorado.
6.03 TRAINING POLICY
A. Explorers will train at weekly meetings to prepare
for competitions at the State and National level. In
addition to competition events, Explorers will train
in other areas related to law enforcement. Guest
speakers and field trips will be scheduled to expose
the Explorers to the wide range of career
opportunities in the law enforcement field. The
following categories highlight some of the topics
which will be taught.
B. Ride-Along Academy
1. Explorers must complete this academy in order to
ride on patrol. The academy is typically held on
a Saturday from 8:00-18:00hrs. and a Sunday from
12:00-18:00hrs. A minimum of the following
topics will be covered:
a. Patrol Procedures
b. Radio Procedures
c. Traffic Direction
d. City and County Geography
e. Ride-Along Policy
f. Criminal Codes
g. Traffic Codes
h. Events for Competition
i. Report writing
2. A written test will be given during the next
regularly scheduled meeting. An Explorer must
score at least 75% to pass and to be eligible to
ride.
C. Basic Training
1. Basic training provided on training nights and
during Explorer academies may include, but are
not limited to, the following:
a. History of Law Enforcement
b. Contemporary Law Enforcement
c. Criminal Justice System
d. Human Relations
e. Principles of investigation
f. Fingerprinting Classification
g. Crime Prevention
h. Arrest and Search Procedures
i. Crime Scene Investigation
j. Basic Patrol
k. Report writing
l. Traffic/Juvenile/Criminal Law
m. Radio Procedures
n. Accident Investigation
o. Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
2. The topic will be covered as time permits.
Consideration must be given to preparing
Explorers for competitions.
D. Advanced Training
1. Advanced training may include the following:
a. CPR/First Aid
b. Firearms Safety
c. Drug Awareness
2. Training in these areas will be provided as time
permits.
E. Competition Training
1. The W.C.S.D. Explorer Post actively participates
in State and National competitions. The
following team events are common at both
competitions:
a. Accident Investigation
b. Crime Scene Investigation
c. Felony/Misdemeanor Traffic Stop
d. Domestic Crisis
e. Building Search/Shoot Don't Shoot
f. Serving warrants/Drug Search and Seizure
g. Hostage Negotiation
h. Burglary In Progress
i. Bomb Threat and Search
j. Crime Prevention
2. Individual events are also available for Explorer
competition. These events include:
a. Obstacle Course
b. CO2 Air Pistol
c. .38 Caliber Pistols
d. Shoot/Don't Shoot
F. Exploring Activities
1. One of the W.C.S.D. Explorer Post goals is to
expose Explorers to different and related areas of
law enforcement. Tours, demonstrations, and
guest speakers will occasionally be provided to
meet this goal.
2. The following list demonstrates some areas which
the Explorer may be exposed to. Other areas may
be explored as interest of post members are
determined.
a. Life-Flight
b. K-9 Units
c. Polygraph
d. Medical Examiner
e. Military Police
f. Crime Scene Unit
g. Federal Agencies
h. S.W.A.T.
i. Tour of County Jail Facilities
j. Dispatch
k. Other Emergency Services (i.e. E.M.A. or
Fire/Rescue)
PHONETIC ALPHABET
A Adam N Nora
B Boy O Ocean
C Charles P Paul
D David Q Queen
E Edward R Robert
F Frank S Sam
G George T Tom
H Henry U Union
I Ida V Victor
J John W William
K King X X-Ray
L Lincoln Y Young
M Mary Z Zebra
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