So You Wanna Be A Cop: Police Explorers

I'm starting a new series on the channel: "So You Wanna Be a Cop" and I'm starting with police explorers. Not having been a part of any explorer programs in my career it was cool to see how they work first hand.
Check out a KZbin channel run by a police explorer out of Texas, if you want to learn more from someone committed to the program: EXPLORER EMMA: / @exploreremma
Also guys, we have some more footage from our evening with them that will go on patreon as extra bonus footage so consider supporting the channel there and keep the content flowing!
PATREON: / mikethecop
----
SHOP: www.relentlessdefender.com/mtc
PATREON: / mikethecop
INSTAGRAM: / mike_thecop
FACEBOOK: / realmikethecop
TWITTER: / mike_thecop
----

[@kevinbrun8014]

That’s how I started 45 years ago. I just retired last December.

[@ypop417]

Thank You for making that far Now stay safe through your retirement.

[@angellibran868]

Max Brazil wow fuck you dude

[@OneshotMovement]

How many people you put in jail for no reason ?

[@TheLastArbiter]

Congratulations on retirement, Sir.

[@mushasherps8734]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@cameronsullivan586]

I’m an explorer and I recommend it to everyone. Even if you don’t want to be a cop it’s good because it gives you the cops side on how their trained. Edit: spellcheck

[@thetruckdude]

This is a program that i would totally do if i had the time but with homework and mcjrotc it gets difficult fast

[@unit97thinblueline20]

Mcginnis Gaming I was a police explorer and in njrotc in high school tbh it really wasn’t hard to do both because I was always caught up with my school work in my normal classes and njrotc courses. It’s all pretty much time management what I did was when I was given homework I did it during lunch which lunch was about an hour or less but still gave me enough time to get what needed to be done also I did my homework on my way home on the bus too. I know it sounds difficult but it’s really up to you on how much time you put into what you need to get done and with being both in mjrotc and police explorers is pretty much what I said (time management) but if you’re really committed and always make time to get caught on up on homework and mjrotc you should be able to do the explorers as well. But if you can’t it’s understandable but whenever you get time I really recommend you joining the program and seeing if law enforcement is the right field of work for you. But since you are in mjrotc that will definitely help you in the long run even if you decide to serve in the marine corps or any military branch but if not still mjrotc and the police explorers will look great on your resume because departments really look for that kind of experience. But anyways wish you the best of what you are currently doing.

[@ewy2753]

Donut says cub scouts but with balls 👌

[@ryanjackson3167]

@@TheDarkalkymist why come to a cops chanel just to spread hate?

[@roger_that0459]

TheDarkalkymist looks like that was an expensive citation that you got. Yeesh.

[@ryanjackson3167]

@@TheDarkalkymist Also cub scouts do have badges... that's kinda their thing.

[@ryanjackson3167]

@@TheDarkalkymist Police literally earn those badges by going through the academy. I'd say that's an achievement.

[@roger_that0459]

TheDarkalkymist we aren't the ones hating here, your like the only person hating right now. Plus what donut operated said was just a joke so go back to your world where it's lawless and everyone is holding hands and singing.

[@enrique1422]

Literally the day i applied to be a police explorer this video came out

[@travisspeck3059]

TheDarkalkymist awwww did you get a ticket

[@JoeGarofaloII]

TheDarkalkymist huh🤔

[@MrDInman84]

Go back to watching your minecraft videos, tough guy.

[@roger_that0459]

Joseph Moeslein XD

[@roger_that0459]

TheDarkalkymist Yeesh I guess the ticket was worse then I thought.

[@thatchristmasimp3170]

Looking forward to So You Wanna Be A Cop: K9 Unit

[@hailstormk9417]

Wolfie101 YES

[@gateway8833]

I was an Explorer in 1968, absolutely some of the best training I got. Sgt. Shivle & Sgt. Riley were both experienced Officer. Both of them had Military Combat experience. When I made the choice to go in the Corps both of them prepared me very well for combat. Now all these years later I can still hear Sgt. Shivle saying in my ear “Using your Command Voice to Order that fly to Leave” Even still when I’m out in town I still hear them telling me, “Dead Spot” “Blind Corner” “Don’t fold your arms” “Get your hands out of your pocket, your going to look really stupid when someone stabs you in the chest and you died because you had your hand in your pockets” I credit those two for my success in the Marine Corps.

[@wrightearl34]

Oorah Marine your right on the money Command voice and situational awareness are key.

[@gateway8833]

Earl Wright Those two Sergeants spent over a year helping me prepare for the Marine Corps, I credit them with my ability to obtain Sargent in 18 months. They taught me things that made no sense, then Combat made those lessons crystal clear. Talk about experts of micro terrain, micro concealment, Danger Area movements, Machine Gun emplacement, even how to walk silently. You mention SA, we’d be patrolling and I’d get asked ‘What was the license plate of the car we just past” about the 500th push-up I finally realized Hay dummy, you need to look for these things their asking. It took along time to develop their level of awareness.

[@rickscully9533]

Holy crap my instructors sounded just like that! Creepy!

[@misterking761]

I was there when he visited :D !! Glad to have had you at the department on the 14th Mike.

[@mikethecop]

Thanks man!

[@explorerdaniel1925]

OMG I just found this! :)

[@misterking761]

@@explorerdaniel1925 You late.

[@explorerdaniel1925]

I know 😔

[@Polarzone557]

I’m a Sergeant for Explorer Post 509 and I want to add a little bit more info that I didn’t hear in the video, there are state and national competitions, and they help show how your post compares to those in your state and across the nation, state competitions are held every year (at least in WI) ,National competitions are every other year, last national competition was held last month at Purdue University and it was an awesome experience. If anyone is interested in gaining community service hours or a future career in law enforcement it is definitely beneficial. It also gives you the opportunity to gain scholarships for College as well.

[@gateway8833]

Polarbeetle That’s amazing to hear about competitions like that. That makes everyone try much harder.

[@lorenzobarrett8232]

The competitions are super fun. CHP puts on a big one for all the police cadets/explorers in California.

[@gateway8833]

Lorenzo Barrett man, I was in Glendora, I missed all the good stuff.

[@tactical_pony9110]

I was there at Nationals too! Post 2066(Lake County, IL).

[@rickscully9533]

I have to dido that. Not only do you get to hone your skills. But you get to learn from other groups, and other agencies. When I went to Boulder CO a hundred years ago. They had the US Marshals there, along with the ATF, and the Secret Service. We learned so much from them.

[@jimb9454]

I was an explorer in Jacksonville FL 84 to 86. Back then, we wore an almost identical uniform to reg police officers, wore vests, and got to participate A LOT more than they do today. It was a great start for myself and several others in my post to long career's in law enforcement.

[@dariussmith6742]

Jim B yea a lot of stuff is restricted know but when I know I really want to get hands on I’ll ride with a veteran officer

[@rickscully9533]

Did you by chance go to nationals in boulder? If so, we might have bumped shareholders.

[@DylWolf]

Current police explorer. Love every second of it. ⚫🔵⚫

[@ExplorerEmma]

OH MY GOD! Mike, thank you so much for putting my name out there! It means a lot. I hope that by you spreading my name helps bring more publicity to exploring. You have no idea how much this means!

[@mikethecop]

No problem. This video was a little late in getting out compared to when we talked but I'm glad I finally got to do it. If this series does well, I'll make more for sure.

[@ExplorerEmma]

I’ll be sure to watch! Thanks again!

[@explorerdaniel1925]

Emma that's the post I got into! I just found this! :)

[@Emily-xt1bv]

Hi Mike! Thank you for your service, and thank you for making videos that most of us find entertaining and educational.

[@rickscully9533]

I was a Explorer 31 years ago. From the age of 15 to the time I joined the infantry at 18, then at 20 became an MP. Then left at 21. At that time, the rules were not as strict as they are now. I did everything a police officer did. Went to every call that came out. Learned more from some of the best officers on the planet than I did 4 years as an MP. If I didnt get into construction, I'd probably be a officer today. It's great to see they still have this program. Thanks for going down memory lane Mike.

[@tactical_pony9110]

Sheriff Explorer Sergeant right here! Just came back from the Explorer National Competition at Purdue University. Thanks for putting a video out about exploring, moat people have never heard of it.

[@ICaligvla]

Yes! Im so glad someone is finally doing a video on Law Enforcement Exploring! In my opinion its a very silent program, not much advertising is done for it. I certainly wish i learned about it earlier. Representing NYPD Explorers here! Been in the program for awhile and I love it. My post advisor is awesome, and being in the program pushed me to want to become a police officer even more.

[@antonydoganis9794]

Hey there, I was considering becoming an NYPD explorer since I live in the area and go to a criminal justice school, but not sure yet.. should I do cadet or explorer? could you please list me some things you guys do while on the program?

[@ICaligvla]

antony doganis Well if you are in college, you're best bet would be to go into the Cadets. You get paid $15.61/hr and I believe afterwards you go straight to becoming an officer after you graduate from the cadets. (i could be wrong about that however) As for NYPD explorers its for ages 14-20 1/2. In the explorers we learn a few things about being in law enforcement. We learn about how to handle different scenarios. Some of which include, Burglary, traffic stops, traffic accidents, domestic dispute, and more. We act out these scenarios with our post advisors and get taught the right and wrong ways of handling the situation through what is essentially first hand experience, without the actual potential for real harm. Aside from that there are competitions held seasonally in which each post from around new york, including FBI, DEA, Corrections, Homeland Security, Customs and border protection, nassua county and of course other NYPD posts compete in different scenarios and are scored according to how well we handle them. Depending on which post you join some posts also participate in trips. Of course Law Enforcement exploring is an experience and not a career so you dont get paid for it, but the experience is worth it in my opinion.

[@ICaligvla]

antony doganis Also As an explorer you at times will also be expected to participate in community service.

[@antonydoganis9794]

thank you for taking time and explaining this to me. The reason im not joining cadets yet its bc i dont have 45 credits as they require

[@ICaligvla]

antony doganis No problem, Good luck! and remember Hold that blue line tight brother! ✊

[@dundermifflin5465]

Thanks for info! Hoping to have a career as a State Trooper.

[@brandonf.2438]

TheDarkalkymist oh look another ignorant individual that has nothing better to do than belittle someone that wants to help the community. Get off welfare and do something good with your time, sir.

[@gregoryriojas16]

TheDarkalkymist the same people who hate the police are the same pussys that call them when they need help . Haha

[@cooperroberts2020]

what state?

[@gregoryriojas16]

TheDarkalkymist I smell pussy

[@youngmind2003]

@@TheDarkalkymist Or maybe he just doesn't want to waste valuable time on some piece of shit?

[@NJMoo3652]

I’ve been an explorer over at Macomb County for a little over a year now, by far the most valuable organization I’ve been a part of

[@bigguyglock7774]

I really like the way you are exposing young people to the explorer program . I lead our explorer group for a period of time and it really exposes the kids to things they’ve never seen or thought about. kudos to you Mike.

[@samwagner31]

I loved my time in the explorers. I think it’s a great program whether you’re interested in police work or not. It teaches you so much and you get so many great experiences and get to see your town from a different perspective. I’m a better person because of the explorer program.

[@faithlewis4258]

Police exploring is the best program I have ever been a part of, highly recommend!

[@mobrien7211]

I was in Philadelphia police explorer program moons ago (94) I loved it. Our instructors Coyle and Leventhal were awesome. I will never forget them. I never became a cop but I did learn how to defend myself, how to spot when someone is using, plus a bunch of other things. Makes me happy to see they still have these programs.

[@Kay-wp8xf]

Police explorer! Love it more and more every time I go.

[@lorenzobarrett8232]

This department has their program down to a science . I'm a cadet in California and I thought our program was pretty in depth but this takes it to a whole new level. Thanks for showcasing this Mike! Hopefully I can bring some of this structure and training back to my department.

[@madipachta42]

I just retired from my explorer post this week after 6 years to join the police academy. So glad you’re getting the word out about this great program mike! Keep up the good work

[@LoneAidenPryde]

I have JUST passed the ECI ( Essential Competency Interview) portion of the hiring process for my local department. I can not be swayed from wanting this position, I know this series will be awesome as your content is always the best!

[@paulwoodall2377]

I was in this program back in the 80's well worth the time I invested. While I wasn't able to get into law enforcement, I was still able to apply what I learned and have a better understanding of the behind the scenes stuff police officers go through that the community and civilian world doesn't see.

[@ethanmcnash4785]

Even if you don’t want to be a cop I would highly recommend explorers, it’s a great way to learn what police go through and the law in general

[@tempo658]

Just joined last week! At 19 I still decided it was worth the experience and the knowledge!

[@MrWjgonder]

This was awesome to watch. I was an explorer many years ago and it was an extremely educational experience.

[@ianerickson6630]

I am a Michigan State Police Explorer from Marshal!! Great to see other posts and how they run!

[@briansheridan5208]

I was a police explorer for 2 years back in my day. I was great training. I went into estate planning and financing. It taught me fire arms safety. Laws....police procedures. It was a form of law enforcement public safety, I got to serve my community.

[@YellowRoseDrones]

In San Antonio TX, they hold annual competition meets for the Police Explorer program. Participants drive in from all over Texas and surrounding states. I helped with this event for many years, providing ham radio operators to observe and help give directions around the campus.

[@mrcfoster1982]

I was a Detroit Police Explorer when I was a kid, and I loved every min of it.

[@JawsOMG]

I was an explorer for 3 years and absolutely loved it!

[@joeyalderson6065]

Elgin IL police explorer! Just hit my tenure. Thanks for recognizing us!

[@NbenGames]

Former Sheriff Explorer for Post #400 in Florida. States competition was a blast for me. Weapons training, traffic stops, and building searches were some of my favorites. Explorer is definitely the way to go before going to an academy if you want to get a feel for what life as an LEO is.

[@YolomanrsGaming]

I myself am an explorer or how we call it here in California a cadet great program to learn and be part of the community and making friends while improving our career for law enforcement

[@andrewmartin4387]

Such a great program. I leaned alot from my 6 years in exploerers before I got in to the academy.

[@leedball58]

Excellent Mike! Not enough people know about the explorer programs. My son is part of the Border Patrol explorers. Just a great group of agents and fine opportunity for young people.

[@goonam7998]

I am currently in my departments explorers program, and it is one of the best steps to take for those who would like to go into law enforcement. Considering how small my dept. is, I basically have a guaranteed agency once I am of age .

[@asillariya601]

I was an explorer for 1 year when I was 15-16. I saw a coroner office, not just the office, but what they do to dead bodies there too. And I saw a military unit fire a tank. It was pretty freaking cool.

[@unscxiv8929]

Awesome video, and a great looking post!

[@yeeyee2686]

I'm joining my high schools explore program this year with a friend, and I'm hoping it's going to be a great time

[@johnsavage8778]

I love it that you brought up the Explorer's when I moved from American Falls Idaho to Blackfoot Idaho I entered out of Boy Scouts and into explorers from there I went right into the sheriff's reserves officer program but I was also Signed up for Army split opp training during my military career I continued my law enforcement work and worked in law enforcement after I got out of the military up until the point that I had to quit working because I did not feel safe in my abilities to backup fellow officers due to some problems I acquired medicalal problem while in the army but I really do miss. The Brotherhood that is the bond between law enforcement and military personnel I hope at some point I'm able to participate again thanks for sharing all your wonderful information knowledge and insight with us the Explorer program is a great program and resource

[@anthonythibault7768]

Great work your doing here man

[@johndcockefeller4246]

I did police explorers in High School - Farragut High School 2005. It was a great program. I learned from the program that I DIDN'T want to be a cop (not in a bad way, I loved the experience), but I know a couple of people who did the program and joined the police department. When we were doing the simulated traffic stop the guy posing as the person being stopped handed me a Pilot card when I asked for his drivers license and told me his name was Pontius Pilate.

[@milesvernon6295]

I am a fire explorer so I thought this was pretty cool to see what the police explorer program is like I wish they had one my area but they don’t, and my department is volunteer and plus my dads a firefighter of over 25 years so it was natural to join the fire explorers program.

[@rickscully9533]

Ask your department to look into it. After I left because of the age cutoff. Years later I had a beer with one of our instructors. He said that he first had reservations on this program. However, after awhile he saw not only what it was doing to the confidence of some. He saw that he was becoming a better officer. He said it was the best part of what he was doing. And he was like a father, and would float to other departments on how we always kicked ass.

[@bfdwarf]

Good job, Mike!

[@PrinceofDrill]

I was an explorer as a teenager and in my early twenties. I not only enjoyed it, but I learned a lot and gained insight and wisdom about what police do and a little about their culture. I can honestly say that Boy Scouts, NJROTC, and Police Explorers really helped make me a more well rounded person and gave me a love for our armed forces, law enforcement, and rescue personnel.

[@joshpro7633]

This is much better than what we have in the UK. I did police cadets for 3 years and never did anything hands on training. We only did theory and community events. Although im still grateful for going through and completing the course.

[@MikePlaysYeet]

luv this series

[@rachelsky5297]

Finally ive been waiting for this for forever

[@PhantomX0990]

I was an explorer from 2007 to 2012. One of the best experiences of my life. Explorers for life!

[@Venkman29]

Awsome. I remember being part of Taylor Police Department's Police Explorer program back in the 90's It was alot of fun.. I really enjoyed it.. Dale Tampsen and one of The K9 Officer I unfortuantly get what his name is now but they both ran it.. Then Later Dale Tampsen became Chief of Police for Taylor..

[@white_husky8717]

I highly recommend joining your local police explorer post (if u have one) in the 3 years I've been a explorer I've seen and experienced what it takes to prepare for what they expect In the career field of law enforcment

[@TheLastArbiter]

I'm an Explorer of 4 1/2 years. I am currently the Captain of my Post. I cannot begin to explain what this program means to me. In short, my experiences have set the foundation for my life and continue to shape me into a better leader and person. I owe so much to the great people I work with and my community. Funny enough, I met a Dearborn explorer at a national leadership academy in 2017!

[@mrpoliceemsfire1]

Damn they have some nice equipment and radios for Explorers.

[@wb7926]

Great videos!

[@TheCozplayer]

Hey Mike sir! My name is Jose I’m actually a police explorer myself with Montgomery County Police Explorers Post 1986 over here in Maryland I actually know this post because we met them at the National Law Exploring Conference at Indiana, we actually took pictures with them after one of our competitions. Currently I’m a Sergeant in my post. I might be asking a bit much from you sir, but it would be very interesting to see a whole series of you visiting other Explorers Posts. We also have some connections in Europe specifically in Great Britain and seeing this video I think it would be interesting to have you sir visit our Post and/or make an entire series dedicated to Police Explorers all across the States. After the conference in Indiana I’ve met an FBI Explorers Post and an ICE Explorers Post from Puerto Rico I even have a bag from the US Customs and Border Protection Explorers Post from doing their push-up challenge

[@cakeofdoom6797]

I love this. Over in the UK, we have Army cadets, Sea cadets and air cadets so why not this?

[@8Forrest8Gump8]

Getting sworn in tomorrow!!!

[@toxxiksniper]

I was an explorer for about 3 years here in Pensacola, FL. Absolutely loved it went to Winterfest 2017 in Gatlinburg, TN, Montevallo Alabama twice for Explorer academies, presented our national colors during national night out. Explorers really helped me decide what I wanna do, Now im about to ship out to Marine Corps recruit training with goals of becoming a Embassy Guard, then getting out and joining Law Enforcement.

[@gateway8833]

Callsign Toxxik My future Brother, Make sure you know your General Orders, Code of Conduct, and research the M-4, Length, Weight, Rate of Fire, Max effective Range, Max Range for Area targets, Cone of Fire, Beating Zone, What a Dope Setting is and how it functions. Most important is if One man made it through so can You, Keep your Bearing always even when there’s 5 Drill Instructors Screaming at you leaving bad breath stains all over your face. I wish I was young enough to go with you. Good luck Brother.

[@AppleNews55]

Aw yeah Winterfest is dummy lit

[@toxxiksniper]

Abby Babby aye sir id like to think i know a bit of the knowledge portion from my time in NJROTC and love for history and firearms. All poolees have a book with the ranks, general orders, and riflemans creed and some other basic info no command structure though.

[@toxxiksniper]

ParkerShaw i only went for 2017 sadly

[@gateway8833]

Callsign Toxxik Your Command Structure will depend on what your going to do.

[@InspireWire]

I wish other countries had this program its a fantastic idea! Only thing we have here in Ireland somewhat similar is the voluntary reserves which is difficult to get into 🤔 Get series Mike!😎

[@copgirl828]

That's amazing! Would have loved to be an Explorer as a kid!

[@bwsing01]

Thank you Mike! It brings back memories of when I wanted to get into law enforcement! And I'm an old F...re lol! Keep em coming!

[@Boskibro]

I wanted to be a cop until I saw how it's affected you. Damn near impossible to notice a gray hair on a bald man but you made it happen

[@ciscomartin6289]

I was an explorer over 20years ago in NYC. 94th pct. Today I work for Nys Parole.

[@Lithane97]

Fun to see.

[@nathandkreosote9917]

Just filled out my application!

[@joshsabin4431]

I've been an Explorer for 4 years. Best decision I ever made.

[@gregoryriojas16]

Mike the podcast tommorow better be 3 hrs long

[@Srab23]

You're a chill cop, and a funny guy, but most importantly you are just an ordinary person. you are making me curious about being a cop, but I dislike trouble and I am a coward so I probably won't. But a big thanks to you about giving people like me an insight about what it means. Best regards from peaceful Sweden

[@BEASTMODEsquats]

Hey I'll be damned, CCCSO made it to a Mike the cop video as the thumbnail. Our small Cali agency moving up in the world!

[@dariussmith6742]

I’ve been a explorer for two year and I love the best thing I’ve ever done at this age

[@MrHitch11]

The picture in the background of the headline looks like my academy from Contra Costa County Sheriff.

[@cheesebooba]

yeee. cool content. as always

[@firedevilblack]

Good, this will help.

[@thiccboi309]

Going to the academy in January I can’t wait

[@tylerwilson7785]

I wish I had an explorer program where I grew up. But now I stand and defend the thin blue line as a Correctional Officer.

[@jakeallen8816]

Hillsdale the town I'm from has a Career center that has a criminal Justice class it reminds me of this.

[@Nathanaelreiter]

Hey this video was made on my Birthday!

[@johnsavage8778]

And it is Class A Boy Scouts so if you do want to enter the military you can enter at Annie for Just Like an Eagle Scout if you finish the Explorer Program

[@wynemacantrell145]

~I love this educational video.~

[@brentfields93]

Could you do a video on police reserves? That’s what I do and think it would be good for others to know that’s out there also

[@intimidatingpanda8560]

Officially 2 years as an Explorer once October hits!

[@Jarett0808]

I’m a police explorer!!

[@rokukou]

what is it like?

[@FuzzFam]

You have a huge mic Mike. 😏

[@unscxiv8929]

FuzzFam Love your videos!

[@MauricioRodriguez-os5bd]

FuzzFam fuzzfammmm !!!

[@plzdontfup2466]

Oof

[@Emily-xt1bv]

Lmao. Mr. Fuzz..

[@terrestrialtrajectory]

Wow this is such a coincidence! I was just thinking about donuts!

[@gamecapturemoments1]

I'm an explorer with Delaware City PD/Delaware County Sheriff's office in Ohio. Lots of fun.

[@alexanderh7135]

Joined the Army, become an MP at age 19. Plan on becoming a civilian police officer once I hit 21. Was super fun and recommend it to anyone who wants to do cop/soldier shit and doesn’t want to wait until their 21.

[@Murcatt]

Alexander H don’t have to wait till 21 everywhere. On 3rd step of hiring process for Florida highway patrol and I’m 19. Depends no dept

[@armanirios385]

Already a police explorer for my county

[@dancomando]

I want to be a cop in Poland but I hope i can learn a lot form you

[@alexmckoy7678]

Wish I knew about this sooner.

[@Tac0Tuesday91]

AYYYY Explorer H.Jankowski Reporting for duty! The HONORARY Police explorer 🚔 👮 👮🏻‍♀️ 👮 🚔

[@Mwraf]

Sooo. I’m gonna tryout for being an Police Explorers at my local PD in few weeks. I though might watch some tips on how to be one of the best.

[@hirumbiffidum9145]

I often have nightmares that my pick up truck is impounded for no reason and like Shawshank Redemption instead of a book burning barbecue they have a dollar store tool smeltering party and the explorer scouts march around it like wild injuns.

[@frankauer99]

Post 980 was a blast in ga

[@jalyrgaming]

Love the videos but could you possibly turn the music down its pretty loud. Don't know if it's just me or not... either way keep up the good work

[@johnbecker6058]

I was in an explorer post in Greece NY 1970-72