Thirty young men and women from across Merced County took part in the region’s first unified Law Enforcement Explorer Academy last week, a collaborative training program hosted at UC Merced and led by multiple local agencies.

Held at the end of July, the week-long academy offered hands-on instruction designed to mirror the experience of a full police academy. Participants trained side by side in physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork, gaining early exposure to careers in law enforcement.

Agencies involved included the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Merced Police Department, Gustine PD, Livingston PD, Los Banos PD, and California Highway Patrol Merced. The program was facilitated with support from UC Merced and its campus police department.

Gustine sent four Explorers to the program and Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez said they learned some invaluable skills and lessons in just a week.

“The program is like a mini police academy where they learn public safety topics,” Chavez said. “I attended while they were learning about dispatch and proper procedures. The program also included physical training, i.e.  running and marching. This type of program helps build the confidence and self-esteem of our young explorers. Whether they want to pursue a profession in law enforcement, being an explorer and attending this type of training helps to build discipline, teamwork, leadership, chain of command, and espirit de corps. I am proud of our four explorers for completing this program.”

Law Enforcement Exploring is a national career education program that provides youth ages 14 to 20 with opportunities to learn about law enforcement through training, mentorship, and community service. Participants often go on to pursue careers in criminal justice or related fields.

Local agencies encourage interested youth to contact their departments to learn more about joining an Explorer post.