Explorer Post 917

Explorers is a young adult program for high school students. The intent of the Police Explorer Program is to educate and involve youth in police operations and to interest them in law enforcement functions. Through youth involvement they become aware of the many facets of the law enforcement career field. The program also aids them in becoming aware of the community around them and how to be involved as citizens in their neighborhood.

The focus of the Gainesville Police Explorer Post is the development and training of the youth in leadership, discipline, life management, community service, education, communications, and much more. Their participation in the program is voluntary. The members meet once a week to discuss future events and to train on a variety of topics.

Post 917 have annual City events that they are responsible for. They assist the Gainesville Police Department as extra eyes and ears during these events and activities. A few to name are Downtown Arts Festival, Spring Arts Festival, 5th Avenue Arts Festival and many more.

Post members are issued a uniform and some equipment that has been provided by Gainesville Police Department. These uniforms are worn during all events and activities that the Post performs.

To be a member of Post 917 a student must:

Complete an application and have an interview with the Post Advisor Have the consent of Parent or Guardian Between the ages of 15 (entering 9th grade) and 20 A resident of Alachua County Enrolled in school and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral perpitude, perjury, or making false statements No history of drug abuse and living a free lifestyle of illegal drug use Free of alcohol and tobacco Submit two letters of recommendation (from community leaders and not relatives)