PSO’s Explorer Program: Planning For The Future

It’s never too early to begin planning for the future! The Pasco Sheriff’s Office helps young people looking to jump-start their careers with our incredible Explorer Program. Teenagers and young adults can sign up to learn about law enforcement, forensics, and drones. While the program focuses on these specific fields, it also offers a valuable opportunity to develop essential life skills that will benefit them in any career path. Additionally, participants can give back to the community through volunteer service. PSO is proud to highlight this exciting program and the various components it offers for helping Pasco’s youth reach their goals!

Explorer Post 916

The PSO Explorer Program consists of four branches, with the largest being the Explorer Post 916 law enforcement branch. Young individuals aged 14 to 21 participate in this program once a week to learn about various law enforcement operations through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on scenario training. Members gain knowledge in a wide range of topics, including state statutes and legal guidelines, officer safety, report writing, handcuffing procedures, interviewing and note-taking, traffic stops, and more.

Through these lessons, explorers develop confidence in their abilities to make decisions, lead, and communicate effectively, as teamwork plays a significant role in these exercises. Committing to the curriculum and their team instills a sense of responsibility and accountability in the explorers. Additionally, they gain an understanding of civic duty through volunteer service. You can often find them helping the community at various events, such as fairs, parades, rodeos, and races. The valuable skills acquired through this program are transferable to any career path and can even enhance scholarship, college, and job applications.

Similar to PSO’s operations, Explorer Post 916 offers opportunities for members to partake in specialty teams and trainings. Members can compete at both the state and national levels, join the Pistol Team, and serve in the Honor Guard. The competition team recently placed 3rd in an Officer Down scenario at the Boy Scouts of America Winterfest Competition in Gatlinburg, TN. PSO also offers explorers the exciting opportunity to ride along with PSO deputies after completing an extensive Ride-Along Academy.

Forensics Branch

Finding truth through science is possible through forensic investigations. And now, thanks to PSO’s Explorer Program, young members of our community are learning how these advanced scientific skills can make a difference. PSO’s very own forensic investigators operate the branch once a month using a combination of classroom instructions and immersive training. The program highlights crime scene documentation, fingerprinting, and forensic tools, giving explorers a deeper understanding of the partnership between law enforcement and science. Members of the program also earn some of the same certificates as our forensic investigators, providing Explorers with first-hand experience training like Forensic Investigators.

Drones Branch

Explorers can reach new heights in their education with the Drones Branch! Advanced technologies like robotics and drones are making a significant impact across a variety of specialties, and law enforcement is no different. It’s for this reason that PSO is investing in sharing this educational equipment with tomorrow’s leaders in the explorer program. Taught by PSO’s UAS/Drone Unit, explorers meet once a month to learn from professionals who use drones and robotics in their daily work. The course explores how innovative solutions can enhance law enforcement operations, enabling safe resolutions even in the most hazardous situations. By encouraging these bright minds to develop creative technological solutions for modern challenges, we are extending law enforcement’s capabilities while minimizing risk and ultimately increasing public safety.

Junior Explorer Club 915

PSO is proud to also offer a Junior Explorer Club for kids ages 11 to 14. This engaging program helps our youngest community members build a positive relationship with law enforcement officers through meaningful interactions and mentorship. Like the Explorer Post, the Junior Explorer Club meets once a week and focuses on key areas of law enforcement. Through classroom instruction, presentations, and various activities, participants will develop character, determination, and life skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Anyone interested in the Explorer Program is invited to attend meetings held at 10382 Charles Bo Harrison Way, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34637. For more information about the various opportunities and training available, as well as meeting details, please visit: https://PascoExplorers.PascoSheriff.com/.