The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Explorer Academy is a 15-week program where young adults learn more about the sheriff’s department. Once started attendance to the academy is every Saturday. The next academy will be held at STARS Center in Whittier beginning on Saturday, Aug. 26. Completion in the academy is scheduled by Dec. 16. Once the recruit graduates, the recruit will be assigned to the CV station.

In order to participate in the academy, the recruit must be between the ages of 14 and 19; have a GPA of 2.0 or higher; have no serious criminal record/probation; must pass drug screening; must submit to a background check.

The Explorers will be trained in laws, searching/handcuffing, writing reports, handling calls for service (domestic violence, family disturbance, felony traffic stops, active shooters, assaults, etc.).

When trained, they can go on “ride-a-longs” with full time deputies on patrol in La Cañada Flintridge or La Crescenta. As the Explorer gains experience, they have the opportunity to go on ride-a-longs at other stations throughout the county.

The Crescenta Valley Station Explorers also assist with numerous community events such as the La Cañada Fiesta Days Parade, La Cañada Turkey Trot, National Night Out and the Haunted Jail at the CV Station.

Meetings are usually held every second and fourth Monday of each month excluding holidays, school commitments, family obligations, etc.

Over the years the Explorers have gone onto the Naval Academy, Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard. Several local Explorers have graduated from the sheriff’s academy and become Los Angeles County deputy sheriff’s, San Diego County deputy sheriff’s, Glendale Police officers, and Los Angeles Police officers.

Those between the ages of 14 and 19 and have an interest in law enforcement, please contact Explorer Coordinator Deputy Marcelo Ruiz at (818) 236-4026.