The Plymouth Police Explorer Post 905 was established in 1984 to provide participants a glimpse into the challenges, responsibilities and skills of police officers serving their community.

Participants undergo classroom and practical skills training as guided by active Plymouth police officer advisors. Explorers meet once a week during the school year and receive instruction on a number of aspects of policing, including: 

• Domestic intervention
• Burglary in progress 
• Hostage negotiation 
• Bomb threat 
• Crime prevention 
• First aid 
• Traffic stops 
• Search and arrest 
• Crime scene search 
• Accident investigation 
• Firearms safety 
• Decision making and more

Every year, the in-depth training leads to two competitions with other Explorer posts in the area – regionals in Duluth and statewide in Rochester. Both competitions offer a chance for Explorers to meet peers and representatives from various state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Join the Plymouth Police Explorers
Those interested can apply to the Explorer program at any time throughout the year, though new Explorers generally begin in September.

Explorers meet weekly during the school year and a consistent attendance record is required. Meetings are held 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Plymouth Public Safety Building, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Explorers also meet on a limited basis during summer months.

At meetings, Explorers are taught by police officers how to respond to and handle various police-related calls through classroom instruction and participation in practical exercises.

New members pay an initial fee of $25 to join and are responsible for monthly dues of $5.

To be eligible to join, applicants: 

• Must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have completed 8th grade
• May not have past criminal police contact and no more than two violations on their driving record 
• Must fill out an application and return it to Plymouth Police

Download an application. Applications can also be picked up at the Plymouth Public Safety Building, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. To have an application mailed, email volunteer@plymouthmn.gov.