61637033.pdf

\n\n--- Page 1 ---\n\nFFOORRTT MMYYEERRSS PPOOLLIICCEE DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT GGEENNEERRAALL OORRDDEERR 55..33 TITLE: Explorer Program/K.O.P.S. (Kids Our Primary Source) INDEXING: Explorer, Youth Program, Explorer Post, Ride Along, K.O.P.S. ISSUED: 09/01/95 REVISED: 10/5/2023 RESCINDS: 05/03/2022 C.A.L.E.A. STANDARDS: 16, 26 C.F.A. STANDARDS: N/A PAGES: 16 CONTENTS This general order contains the following numbered sections: I. Mission, Goals & Objectives VII. Hairstyle Regulations II. Membership VIII. Jewelry & Tattoo Regulations III. Participation and Duties IX. Explorer Activities and Details IV. Organization & Command Structure X. Ride Along Program V. Authority XI. Explorer Academy VI. Uniforms and Equipment PURPOSE The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for the Explorer and K.O.P.S. Programs. SCOPE These procedures shall apply to all Fort Myers Police Department personnel. SECTION I: MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES A. The Explorer Program Mission: The Mission and intent of the Explorer Program with the Fort Myers Police Department is to educate and involve youth in police operations, to interest them in possible law enforcement careers and to build mutual understanding. The Explorer Program provides knowledge of the law enforcement function in our community and establishes an awareness of the complexities of police services. B. Explorer Program Goals and Objectives: The Ft Myers Police Department Explorer Program has three main themes that are provided for through goals and objectives. The three main goals are: 1. To further the Explorer’s education. 2. To encourage Explorer’s participation in a rewarding and productive service activity. 3. To enhance the Explorer’s preparation for future roles as citizens, community members, leaders, and law enforcement careers. C. K.O.P.S. Mission, Goals and Objectives: The Mission, Goals and Objectives of the K.O.P.S. Program are to: 1. Expose middle school age children to Law Enforcement and other law-oriented career goals. G.O. 5.3 Explorer/KOPS Program 1 o f 16 10/5/2023\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\n2. Assist in creating a positive, healthy relationship between the Police Department and the youth of the City of Fort Myers and Lee County. 3. Assist middle school age children with becoming mature, responsible citizens, and peer leaders. SECTION II: MEMBERSHIP A. Eligibility Requirements: All applicants of the Fort Myers Police Department Explorer Post #55 and K.O.P.S. Program must meet certain criteria in order to become a member. Membership will be granted to those applicants who meet the criteria outlined below. In all cases no applicant shall be denied on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion or nationality. 1. Explorer Program: a. 14 -20 years of age (Must have completed 8th grade) b. Enrolled in High School or in possession of a High School Diploma or Equivalent. c. Have a “C” Average (2.0) or above. Report cards are to be submitted quarterly to advisors. If a member falls below a “C” average, they will be placed on Administrative Leave until grades are brought up. d. Must attend three consecutive meetings to meet the eligibility requirements of Explorer Post #55. e. Complete a Fort Myers Police Explorer Post #55 application and background check. f. No Felony or Misdemeanor arrests resulting in judicial action, such as a diversion program, probation and/or commitment. g. Applicants must not have possessed or used alcohol or any illegal substance for a period of 12 months prior to the application date. h. Pass a Membership Board review. i. Must be able to provide their own transportation to Post Events. (The Explorer is always responsible for transportation; however, the post will provide transportation when possible.) 2. K.O.P.S.: a. 11 years of age or entering the sixth grade. Not older that the age of 14 years. At 14 years of age, the K.O.P.S. member can qualify for the Explorer Program. b. Enrolled in Middle School. c. Must have and maintain “C” Average (2.0) or above. Report cards are to be submitted quarterly to advisors. If a member falls below a “C” average they will be placed on Administrative Leave until grades are brought up. G.O. 5.3 Explorer/KOPS Program 2 o f 16 10/5/2023\n\n--- Page 3 ---\n\nd. Must attend two consecutive meetings. e. Complete a Fort Myers Police K.O.P.S. Program application and background check. j. No Felony or Misdemeanor arrests resulting in judicial action, such as a diversion program, probation and/or commitment. f. Applicants must not have possessed or used alcohol or any illegal substance for a period of 12 months prior to the application date. g. Pass a Membership Board review. h. Must be able to provide their own transportation to events. (The member is always responsible for transportation; however, transportation will be provided when possible.) B. Membership Ineligibility: To preclude a conflict of interest, persons within the following categories are ineligible to participate in the program: 1. Currently employed as a guard, private detective, security guard or a similar occupation. The only exception shall be an Explorer who is out of school and takes a job in the above categories. This shall be determined by the Membership Board. 2. Members of Law Enforcement Agencies (full time) other than the Fort Myers Police Department. 3. It is determined that a member has engaged in any conduct, which would constitute a felony or misdemeanor in this state at the time of commission, whether or not the conduct resulted in the arrest of the member or the filing of criminal charges. C. Application: The application must be completed in full with the following items before the membership process can begin: 1. Parental Agreement Form (members 11-17). 2. Hold Harmless Release 3. Media Release. 4. Copy of Social Security card 5. Copy of Drivers License/Identification Card, if one has been issued. 6. Copy of Birth Certificate. 7. Copy of current report card or grades. D. Background Check: The membership process includes a background check that shall at a minimum include the following: 1. Local records check. G.O. 5.3 Explorer/KOPS Program 3 o f 16 10/5/2023\n\n--- Page 4 ---\n\n2. Warrants check. 3. Driver’s license check and history. 4. Employment history. 5. Verification of at least three personal references. All background investigators shall be trained in the collection of relevant information required in the background investigation. SECTION III: PARTICIPATION AND DUTIES A. Explorer Required Participation: Explorers are required to volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month in the Office or at an assigned duty post. Regular meetings will count as time worked. B. Explorer Authorized Activities: Explorers may participate in the following training activities: 1. Traffic/crowd control detail under the supervision of a Police Officer. 2. Operate the police radio under the supervision of a police officer. 3. Assist motorists with disabled vehicles under the supervision of a Police Officer. 4. Complete routine paperwork such as Tow Slips, Lost and Found Property Reports, or other miscellaneous reports under the supervision of a police officer. The police officer supervising the Explorer shall review the documents for spelling, grammar, and accuracy. 5. Prepare witness statements when the Explorer is a witness to a crime during his/her tour of duty. 6. May serve as a reception officer at the police station to assist citizens and direct walk-in complaints. 7. May train in police records under the supervision of records personnel. 8. May train with any other division of the police department provided approval has been made through the Chief of Police. All activities must be in line with the Explorer’s policy manual. 9. An Explorer may operate a police vehicle under the supervision of a police officer. The Explorer must have completed the city’s online training for operation of vehicles. The Explorer must also hold a valid drivers license and allow it to be checked on an