Explorers
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Explorers are young adults between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in law enforcement as a career; whether that be as a police officer, probation officer, or some other aspect. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) continues our mission to provide an Explorer Program that builds self-confidence in our Explorers, while laying a foundation of ethics and respect. A parallel goal is to provide a qualified and diverse pool of KDPS applicants. In early 2008, the Explorer Program consisted of fifteen Explorers with two Explorer Civilian Advisors and five KDPS Advisors.
In 2007/2008, KDPS Explorers assisted at several community activities, such as the New Year's Festival, The Kalamazoo Car Show, and Easter Holiday Events to name a few. Explorers also assisted in several training activities with other divisions with KDPS such as role playing for the S.W.A.T. Team. KDPS Explorers also assist local colleges and Universities with role playing. Explorers have assisted Western Michigan University in the past by being an integral part of their security team during home football games. The Explorer's contributions have been recognized by government officials.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Explorer Code:
As a Kalamazoo Public Safety Explorer...
I believe that America's strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength and traditions of all people.
I will, therefore, be faithful in my duties as a Kalamazoo Public Safety Explorer and will maintain a personal sense of honor, integrity and respect in my own life.
I will treasure all American cultures and will do all I can to preserve and enrich them.
I will acquire the Exploring attitude that seeks truth in all things.
Honor, Integrity and Respect are never betrayed.
I will always hold myself and others accountable for having the courage to do the right thing.
Explorer Post 265
Michigan Law Enforcement Youth Training Academy
State Competition Awards
During the 2008 Michigan Law Enforcement Youth Annual State Competition, the KDPS Explorer Post sent two teams to compete.
Team number one took first place in two out of the four events they competed in while placing second in the third event. Team number two also took first place in one of the events. Team number one went on to take first place overall by accumulating more points than any of the thirty teams that competed from around the State of Michigan (and one team from Conyers, Georgia).
Explorer Post 265 would like to congratulate all of the teams that competed and thank all of the dedicated officers who volunteer their time and effort to train Explorers at the Academy, as well as judging and role playing at the Competition.
The Explorer's uniform, badge, and patch are unique to their unit. (Pictured from left to right: Lisa, Alanna, and Jamie)
