The Victoria Police Department has relaunched the Explorer Program for teens who are interested in the law enforcement field.
The Victoria Police Department Explorer Post 306 is part of the nationwide Law Enforcement Exploring Program. The program has been used for years to educate young men and women on personal awareness of the criminal justice system, according to the program’s website.
Students will have the opportunity to gain leadership skills and learn about the practical aspects of a career in law enforcement. The program will include the following:
- Hands-on exercises like felony traffic stops, building clearing, and handcuffing techniques.
- Interpersonal skills such as leadership and community relations.
- Ride-alongs with Victoria Police Department officers to know firsthand what happens in law enforcement.
The Victoria Police Department will host “come-and-go” open houses for students who are interested in the program at the following dates and locations:
- April 8 at the Victoria Police Department (306 S Bridge St.) 5-7 p.m.
- April 22 at the St. Joseph High School cafeteria 5-7 p.m.
- May 6 at the Victoria Police Department North Substation Community Room at the Victoria Mall (next to Murdoch’s) 5-7 p.m.
- May 20 at the Victoria Police Department at (306 S Bridge St.) 5-7 p.m.
The VPD will accept 20 high school applicants to participate in the Explorer Program. Registration for the program will open on March 31 and close on May 30 at 5 p.m. The program will begin on Aug. 9, 2025, and end on May 19, 2026, and will follow school schedules, including fall break, winter break, and spring break.
There is an application fee of $74 per student. Financial assistance may be available to applicants.
To apply, students must be 14-18 years of age and enrolled in a high school curriculum, including private school or homeschool. Completed applications must be turned in to the Community Engagement Unit located inside the Victoria Police Department North Substation at the Victoria Mall (next to Murdoch’s), or the Victoria Police Department main building located at 306 S. Bridge St. Applications may not be emailed.
The program will have meetings every other Tuesday at the Victoria Police Department or on the Victoria College campus.
Stay connected
To learn more about the Explorer Program and how to apply, visit www.victoriatx.gov/explorer, or contact Officer Levario at 361-485-3808 or PoliceCEU@victoriatx.gov with any questions regarding the program.