BART Police recruit for Explorer program

BART Police are holding a recruitment event for their Explorer program on Tuesday, October 14 at 6pm in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission office building, 101 8th Street in Oakland, room 171. Interested candidates will meet with BART Police officers and current Explorers.
The BART Police Explorer program is an affiliate of Boy Scouts of America—both young men and women are encouraged to apply and it is open to youths between the ages of 14 and 20.
The program is designed to give participants first-hand knowledge, training, and leadership skills. They have a uniform and assist BART Police by going on ride-along patrols, helping with community events and programs, assisting with crowd control, and assisting during natural disasters and other events where extra help is needed. 
Explorers receive first-hand training from officers. They attend an annual academy that covers lessons on criminal law, patrol procedures, elements of crimes, weaponless defense, and, in the future, will include firearms training.
BART Police Explorers work in cooperation with other agencies such as Richmond and Concord police departments on joint operations including traffic direction and crowd control at large events.
Explorers have the opportunity to attend state and national conferences and competitions where they are tested on how well they have been trained to perform the functions of police officers. Scholarships are available.
The Explorer program isn’t just for police. There are similar programs with military units, other public safety agencies such as fire departments, and organizations like the Civil Air Patrol.
Sergeant Bill Spears, who is one of the leaders of BART’s program, says, “I’ve seen shy people who have joined the program become confident leaders. They learn about accountability and responsibility. This program gives kids something to focus on and keeps them out of trouble.”
Anyone can apply as long as they are not on probation or youth parole, can maintain a 2.5 grade-point average and adhere to all the program policies.