California Highway Patrol seeks new candidates for its Explorer program
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Young people between the ages of 15 and 20 who are interested in a career in law enforcement are invited to join the new California Highway Patrol Explorer program offered in Moorpark.

Explorers assist officers in the field and at the station, and provide service to the community, especially during times of emergency, said Officer Randy Pickens, the program supervisor.

"We're always looking for opportunities to reach out to our youth and give them good guidance and make positive impressions on young folks," said CHP Capt. Cliff Williams.

The Explorer program teaches integrity, leadership, commitment, responsibility and good citizenship to young men and women.

"It's a 'people job' that has many rewards and challenges," said Pickens, who introduced two potential recruits to the ins and outs of the volunteering opportunity last week.

Explorers receive hands-on training in first aid and CPR, weapons, vehicle and penal codes, officer safety and administrative procedures. Local Explorers have an opportunity to receive recognition and to prove their abilities against regional and national Explorer posts during quarterly competitions.

Ideally, Pickens said, five to 10 participants will attend the local program. First to join have been one young woman and one young man.

"It's a fun experience. It expands my knowledge and allows me to understand what options I have," said Haifa Nesheiwat, who joined four months ago. The Moorpark High School junior said she's interested in law and plans to become an attorney.

Nesheiwat and fellow Explorer Justin Pickens, 18, of Newbury Park have covered the basic Level I training, which includes learning what to do and what not to do on and off duty and to respect authority.

Explorers are introduced to the code of ethics; they assist officers, and they learn the importance of punctuality and reliablity, Nesheiwat said, adding that she's gained appreciation for the responsibilities and duties of law enforcement personnel.

"Now every time I see a police officer, I feel protected because I know that their intentions are not to come and try to destroy you or put negative force on you, but they're trying to help people stay safe," she said.

While working at the station, young people get acquainted with officers and can ask one-on-one questions that they may not ask in a different setting, Pickens said. They gain an understanding of the justice system, human relations, morality and ethics in the field of law enforcement, he said.

"Being a CHP officer is not just about driving around and arresting people or issuing tickets. The primary goal of the state agency is to save lives (and) minimize injuries and property damage."

The job is not without danger: On average, eight to 10 officers are killed in the line of duty each year, Pickens said.

New recruits usually end up working the graveyard shift when they graduate from the six-month academy because assignment preferences are based on seniority.

However, working for the CHP has many upsides. Pickens said the long-term career includes good benefits, and people in the department become an extended family to one another.

Moorpark CHP Explorers meet about once a week, depending on schedules. School, family and church come first, Pickens said.

To qualify for the program, candidates must not have a record of any drug use or felony. For additional information, contact Pickens at (805) 553-0800.