Apply for the Police Explorer Program

Do you have an interest in a career in law enforcement? Join our police explorer post. We'll teach you about policing and help you decide if this is a career for you.

The Grand Rapids Police Department proud to host to Police Explorer Program, Explorer Post #1871.

Online

Make sure you're eligible to apply

Here's a quick look at the requirements:

  • Must be between the ages of 14 and 20
  • Must have completed the 8th grade
  • Must be interested in a career as a police officer
  • Must live within 60 minutes of the Grand Rapids city limits

Find out if the program is for you

Explorers learn about the law enforcement mission. We combine classroom training with hands-on scenarios.

Program Activities

  • Police ride-along
  • Firearms training
  • Community policing
  • And more

Program Goals

  • Develop leadership skills, self-confidence, and problem solving
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Learn about what it takes to pursue a career in law enforcement
  • Get advice on how to prepare for a career in law enforcement

Gather your information

The application takes about 20 minutes if you're prepared. There are some things you should know before you start the application.

Information needed

  • Your contact information
  • Current school info

Additional Information

  • Any legal history information
  • Prior Explorer post contact information

Apply Online

We have an online application for the Police Explorers program.

Apply Online in English

We review your application and invite you to attend two meetings

The first two meetings are to prepare you for the Police Explorers. This isn't the final step in the process. Not everyone invited to the first two meetings is accepted into the program.

Final Steps

  • You complete a background packet
  • We invite you for an interview
  • We notify you if you're accepted into the program

Paper

We don't accept printed applications for this service

You can apply online or visit our office to complete your application. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. We're happy to help you complete your application!

Phone

We don't accept applications for this service over the phone

You can apply online or visit our office to submit your request. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. We're happy to help you submit your request!

In Person

Make sure you're eligible to apply

Here's a quick look at the requirements:

  • Must be between the ages of 14 and 20
  • Must have completed the 8th grade
  • Must be interested in a career as a police officer
  • Must live within 60 minutes of the Grand Rapids city limits

Find out if the program is for you

Explorers learn about the law enforcement mission. We combine classroom training with hands-on scenarios.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

  • Police ride-along
  • Firearms training
  • Community policing
  • And more

PROGRAM GOALS

  • Develop leadership skills, self-confidence, and problem solving
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Learn about what it takes to pursue a career in law enforcement
  • Get advice on how to prepare for a career in law enforcement

Gather your information

The application takes about 20 minutes if you're prepared. There are some things you should know before you start the application.

INFORMATION NEEDED

  • Your contact information
  • Current school info

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Any legal history information
  • Prior Explorer post contact information

Visit the Police Department to apply

Come to the front desk and let us know you're interested in applying. We'll help you submit your application.

We review your application and invite you to attend two meetings

The first two meetings are to prepare you for the Police Explorers. This isn't the final step in the process. Not everyone invited to the first two meetings is accepted into the program.

FINAL STEPS

  • You complete a background packet
  • We invite you for an interview
  • We notify you if you're accepted into the program

Contact Us

Phone

616-456-3301

Email

grpdrecruiting@grand-rapids.mi.us

Location

Grand Rapids Police Department
01 Monroe Center NW
Grand Rapids
49503
View Map

Related Links

Police Explorer Program

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