 In October our sister paper The Campbell Reporter ran a cover story about the Campbell Police Department's Explorer program ('By the Book,' Oct. 19). Little did we know that several months later the program--affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America--would become a hot topic in the media, after a 16-year-old East Palo Alto Explorer witnessed the deadly shooting of an East Palo Alto police officer.
Debate arose after the shooting as to whether this program should allow Explorers to participate in ride-alongs. Discussion was voiced about Explorers being put in harm's way.
However, the first thing that struck me about the tragedy was the teen's poise in handling the nightmare situation. The young man quickly called in the shooting without endangering himself. He was able to provide the police with a detailed description of the man who allegedly shot officer Richard May. And he identified the suspect, Alberto Alvarez, after he was apprehended. The Explorer clearly understand his role and how he could be an asset.
It was apparent from his behavior that the program and the police officers who mentored him had taught this young man well.
These youths enter the program because they are interested in a career in law enforcement, but they clearly learn much more than how to write reports or perform traffic control. They develop strong people skills--life building skills that strengthen their characters.
This program gives teenagers 15 and up a unique chance to view our society's subculture, something the majority of us see only through television news, movies or programs such as Cops.
No matter what career path these Explorers choose, this exposure to life outside the box helps shape them as individuals. And field training at any age, in any career, is a big advance. In the case of the Explorer program, it's conducted with the aid of seasoned officers who watch out for the Explorers' safety.
Campbell police Capt. Russ Patterson, who started his career as an Explorer, said the ride-alongs were pivotal in convincing him to chose a career in law enforcement.
Patterson saw the darker side of life while going out into the field as a teen. He witnessed the way police handled highly charged situation. He said this field observation better prepared him for whatever situations he confronted later as a police officer.
Of course, danger can lurk anywhere. And the police know that better than most, which is why Explorers on ride-alongs are distanced from dangerous situations. Unfortunately life is not controllable.
"There are a lot of unforeseen circumstances where a simple call turns into something tragic," said Campbell Police Chief Dave Gullo, who also began his career as an Explorer.
It's the nature of police work.
For that reason, programs like the Explorers can give teens an advantage before entering a law enforcement career. These teens get to see first-hand the mundane along with the potential dangers.
I believe all the components of the program are important, including the ride-alongs. That way, if these Explorers chose to become police officers, they have a head start in protecting themselves and the community they serve.
Moryt Milo is the editor for the Willow Glen Resident. She can be reached at 408.200.1051 or via email at mmilo@community-newspapers.com.
--Editor's note
Moryt Milo is the editor of The Willow Glen Resident. She can be contacted at 400.200.1051 or mmilo@community-newspapers.com.
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