The Houston Police Department’s (HPD) Explorer Program recently celebrated a significant victory, clinching first place at the latest statewide competition in Amarillo, Texas. This triumph underscores the dedication and hard work of the program’s participants and highlights the unwavering support from the International Management District (IMD). The Explorer Program, a cornerstone of HPD’s community engagement efforts, empowers youth in Alief and beyond, offering them a unique opportunity to explore careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.

What is the Explorer Program?

The Explorer Program is a youth initiative designed for individuals aged 14 to 21, aiming to provide comprehensive training and mentorship in various aspects of law enforcement. According to Michael Prause, Senior Police Officer with HPD, “The program is for boys and girls interested in any form or fashion of law enforcement, whether they want to be police officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, or probation officers.”

Participants receive training similar to that of police academy cadets, covering topics such as laws, the code of criminal procedure, and different types of warrants. They also engage in practical scenarios, including traffic stops, active shooter situations, and burglary in progress. “We really train them just like in the police academy,” Prause explains. “It’s a complete gamut of everything that you would see as a law enforcement officer.”

Explorers competing in gear sponsored by the International Management District.

Support from the International Management District

The success of the Explorer Program, especially at the Westside station, is significantly enhanced by the financial and logistical support from the IMD. This support covers costs for uniforms, gear, training equipment, and expenses related to state-wide competitions. “Without the management district, we wouldn’t be able to participate in as many competitions or have the quality of equipment we use,” says Prause.

The IMD’s contributions allow the Westside station to take multiple teams to various competitions, which would otherwise be financially unfeasible. “They’ve upped their support every year, and this year, they provided us with funding for new holsters and simulation equipment,” Prause notes. “This kind of support is invaluable in making sure our Explorers get the best training possible.”

Impact and Outcomes of the Explorer Program

The Explorer Program has a remarkable track record of guiding participants towards successful careers in law enforcement and the military. On average, the Westside station sees about one Explorer per year join the Houston Police Department. “We’ve had nine participants join HPD, and many others have pursued careers with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department and state prisons,” Prause shares.

Additionally, the program has proven to be a significant steppingstone for underprivileged participants, providing them with mentorship and training needed to achieve their goals. “Most of our kids come from single-parent families and families that would be classified as low-income households. We give them the guidance and opportunities to succeed,” Prause emphasizes.

Explorers undergoing a real-life scenario training.

Program Success Stories

One standout success story is that of an Explorer who excelled in all her training scenarios during the police academy and went on to receive the Rookie of the Year award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for her outstanding number of arrests. “She aced every scenario in the academy and went on to become a top performer,” Prause proudly recounts.

Another inspiring example is an Explorer who responded to a high-profile shooting incident at Sharpstown Mall, successfully handling a life-threatening situation thanks to the training he received in the program. “He remembered the 21-foot rule we drilled into him during training, and it saved his life during a real encounter,” Prause explains. The training he received as an Explorer played a crucial role in his ability to respond effectively and maintain his safety during the intense situation.

The program has also guided many participants towards military careers. “We’ve had 26 Explorers join the military, with some re-enlisting and others pursuing further education funded by the military,” Prause adds. These success stories highlight the profound impact the Explorer Program has on its participants’ lives, providing them with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.

Beyond Training: The Explorer Program’s Community Service Projects

The HPD Explorer Program goes beyond training future law enforcement professionals by actively engaging in community service projects that make a significant impact. In 2020, the Explorers, along with the Westside DRT unit, assisted an 85-year-old woman with dementia by connecting her air conditioning unit and performing maintenance, cleaning, and other essential tasks to improve her living conditions. They have also enhanced Alief Community Park by building platforms, pouring concrete, and constructing benches, and this year they are focused on building a large table for the park. Additionally, the Explorers participate in the annual Alief Parade and assist with the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, supporting the HPD recruiting booth and engaging with the community. These projects highlight the Explorer Program’s dedication to making a positive difference while providing invaluable experiences for its members.

Explorers participating in the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

How to Join the Explorer Program in Alief

The Explorer Program holds weekly meetings every Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the Westside Police station, located at 3203 South Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77082. Interested youth are encouraged to simply show up, ready to learn and participate. The program is open to all young individuals who are willing to commit to the training and mentorship provided.

“We have about 18 kids in the post right now, which is huge,” Prause says. “There’s no formal sign-up process—just show up, be a good person, and be willing to learn.”

For more information on how to join, potential participants can contact Senior Officer Prause directly at (832) 394- 5714. Additionally, the Houston government website provide further details on the program and its benefits, visit Explorers (houstontx.gov).

What the Youth can Achieve with Community Support

The Explorer Program is more than just a training ground for future law enforcement officers; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people in Alief and throughout Houston. With the steadfast support of the International Management District, the program continues to thrive, guiding youth towards successful careers and brighter futures. As Michael Prause aptly puts it, “This program bridges the gap between high school and the police academy, keeping kids on the straight and narrow and helping them achieve their goals.”

The Explorer Program stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to support their youth. It provides not only the skills and knowledge needed for a career in law enforcement but also instills values of discipline, perseverance, and community service. For the youth of Alief, the Explorer Program is truly a pathway to success.