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E.P.P. 058 LONGWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT ENFORCEMENT POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER EPP – 58 SUBJECT: POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EFFECTIVE: MARCH 8, 2013 REVISED: DECEMBER 1, 2023 ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 1 of 18 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this directive is to provide members of the Longwood Police Department and the Longwood Police Explorer Post 212 with the guidelines, rule and regulations that will govern the program. II. SCOPE: The Longwood Police Department’s goal through the explorer program is to further the knowledge and understanding of law enforcement through training and experience, and to provide an insight into all phases of criminal justice as a possible profession. Our desire is help create a better understanding between the police department and the youth of the community, and to assist the police department in enhancing the quality of life within the community of the City of Longwood. To accomplish these purposes, it is incumbent upon the advisor to take the role of coach, and to direct and teach members of the post in the areas necessary to achieve success. Therefore, basic principles have been outlined to provide the advisor techniques to assist him/her in accomplishing this task. Our Mission is to train explorers in areas of law enforcement that will assist them in accomplishing their life goals. They will be provided a roadmap to success with an emphasis on education and community involvement. III. GENERAL: It is incumbent upon personnel of the police department to be thoroughly familiar with and obey all provisions set forth within this directive to ensure that the protection of human life is of paramount concern. ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 2 of 18 IV. DEFINITIONS: A. Director: The director is the Longwood Police Chief. The director of Explorer Post 212 may appoint a senior advisor/program director to the post to assume command of its operations. The director may appoint coordinators to assist in training, supply, pistol team training, fundraising, and other functions to enhance the post’s operations. The position of coordinator reports directly to the director or senior advisor in the director’s absence. However, the appointment of a senior advisor does not relieve the director of ultimate responsibility of the post’s direction. The director is responsible for maintaining accurate accounting of the post’s funds. B. Senior Advisor (optional) The senior advisor is a sworn officer appointed by the director whom assumes command of, exercises leadership over, and directs the operations of the Longwood Police Explorer Post. C. Post Advisors Post advisors are sworn police officer, or civilian, as designated by the director who is responsible for the leadership training of the explorers, overseeing maintenance of the explorer files, scheduling of delegates meetings, scheduling of community activities, and other functions that fall under the scope of operations of the post. D. Chain of Command The chain of command means that each member is responsible to a superior officer of the next highest rank and responsible for those of the subordinate rank. E. City The City refers to the City of Longwood, Florida. F. Competent Authority Competent authority means the authority possessed by any commanding officer or advisor. ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 3 of 18 G. Department The department refers to the Longwood Police Department. H. Disciplinary Board Shall mean a board comprised of the command staff and one or more advisors. This disciplinary board shall investigate, entertain and formalize charges of violations of post rules and regulations. I. Explorer An explorer is someone who is enrolled in an educational institution at a minimum age of 14 and of the 9th grade level and at the maximum 20 years of age, has been accepted as a member of the post, and is registered with the Boy Scouts of America. Age exceptions can be made with prior approval from the director. Explorers have no law enforcement power and have no legal authority as police officers or of any other law enforcement officer. Explorers will not engage in law enforcement duties or activities but will assist the department with public relations assignments. J. Command Staff/Executive Board The command staff will consist of the following: director, senior advisor and associate advisors. K. Insubordination Insubordination refers to a failure or deliberate refusal of any member to obey a lawful order given by a commanding officer. Ridiculing a commanding officer or his order, whether in or out of his presence. Disrespectful, mutinous, insolent or abusive language directed toward a commanding officer, or disrespect to any subordinate in the explorer post. L. Member A member is any duly appointed explorer. M. Neglect of duty Neglect of duty refers to a failure to give suitable attention to the performance of duty. Examples include but are not limited to: 1. Absence without leave ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 4 of 18 2. Failure to report for duty at the time and place designated 3. Failure to perform duties or comply with the provisions prescribed in the Rules and Regulations Manual, or 4. Failure to comply with the post operating procedures. N. Explorer Commander Shall mean the highest-ranking explorer. O. Orders Orders refer to any command or instruction, oral or written, given by a commanding officer to a member of lesser rank. P. Post/Division Longwood Police Department’s Office Explorer Post Q. Rules and Regulations A post legislation consisting of a detailed set of directives binding members in terms of authority, responsibility and rank. R. Senior Officer Senior Officer refers to the member with the highest rank and the longest time in that rank. S. Shall/will/may The words shall and will, as used in these directives, indicate that the action requires is mandatory. The word may, allows for discretion by the party involved. V. NAME AND PURPOSE: A. Name The name of this organization shall be the Longwood Police Department’s Explorer Post 212, sponsored by the Longwood Police Department’s Office. ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 5 of 18 B. Meeting and Meeting Place The explorer post shall have its headquarters at the Longwood Police Department. The regular meetings shall be held on the every other Monday (excluding holidays) from 1900 hours to 2030 hours. C. Explorers Code As an explorer… 1. I believe that America’s strength lies in her trust in God and in the courage and strength of her people. 2. I will therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my life. 3. I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it. 4. I will recognize the dignity and worth of my fellow man and will use fair play and good will in dealing with them. 5. I will acquire the exploring attitude that seeks truth in all things on the frontier of our changing world. 6. I will be dedicated to the protection of life, human rights, and property by partnering and serving with the Longwood Police Department as they serve the community. I pledge to embrace the values of honor, integrity, accountability, transparency and consistency. VI. RULES AND REGULATIONS MANUAL: A. Distribution One copy of the Rules and Regulations Manual shall be distributed to each explorer and explorer advisor. B. Responsibility for Maintenance All members who are assigned a manual shall be responsible for its maintenance and care. All manuals shall be kept current and supplementary pages concerning additions, revisions or amendments shall be promptly inserted. C. Familiarization ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 6 of 18 Each explorer is duty bound to thoroughly familiarize him/her with the provisions of the manual. Failure to comply shall be considered neglect of duty. D. Ignorance of Contents of Manual In the event neglect of duty is charged against a member for failure to observe Rules and Regulations, Post Procedures, or Orders, ignorance of any provision of this manual or Post Procedure or Orders will not be accepted as an excuse. VII. MEMBERSHIPS: A. Age and School Requirements The membership shall be composed of people between the ages of fourteen (14) and enrolled at an educational institution at least in the equivalent of 9th grade, through the age of twenty (20). Exception can be made with prior approval from the director. The member must remain in school until graduation. Members must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. Failure to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA will result in disciplinary action and academic probation. Members must attend a Post-Secondary Institution after high school graduation, and will be assisted with applying for scholarships. B. Application and Fees The procedure to apply for membership into this organization shall be set up by the director and senior advisor. After the requirements for membership have been met and a person has been accepted into this organization, a one-time membership fee of $50.00 must be paid to register with the Boy Scouts of America and cover additional expenses related to the explorer post activities. C. New Member Orientations New members will officially start with an orientation meeting with one of the post advisors. They will be given a copy of the Ten Codes and Signals. Trainees will be required to pass a Ten Codes and Signals Test, a Uniform Examination, and an inspection. Trainees will be notified if they have met the requirements of the Training Program by the end of the evening. If they have, they will be issued their remaining uniforms and equipment, and at the next meeting will be asked to recite the Longwood Police Explorer’s code. D. Arrest Record Persons applying for membership cannot have been convicted, or withhold of adjudication for any criminal violation. A criminal history check and background check will be performed on each applicant. ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 7 of 18 E. Married Persons not Eligible Married persons shall not be eligible for membership in Explorer Post 212. VIII. ATTENDANCES: All explorers shall be required to attend every regular meeting and every mandatory event unless they have a justifiable excuse. Except in extenuating circumstances, absences will only be excused by telephone calls mad prior to the meeting, to their immediate supervisor. Every member who fails to appear for duty or explorer meeting at the date, time and place specified without the consent of competent authority, is “absent without leave” and is subject to disciplinary action. A. Written Explanations After two unexcused absences within six calendar months, the member will meet with the explorer in charge to provide a written explanation regarding the absences. The explanation will be forwarded to the senior advisor with a written memorandum from the Admin Lieutenant regarding their view of the circumstances and recommendation for disciplinary action. The senior advisor will review the documents and determination will be made to proceed with discipline. If the written explanation sufficiently provides a viable justification, the documents will be placed in the members file and no further action will be taken. B. Attendance Requirements All persons of rank must attend a majority of details and meetings to maintain their position. IX. POST ORGANIZATION AND COMMAND STRUCTURE: A. Leadership structure Director Post Advisor Explorer Commander Explorer Sergeant B. Chain of Command The chain of Command is established for the efficient operation of the post. It is similar to the structure of the Longwood Police Department Office. The chain flows from the lowest rank/position upwards to the top rank or position. ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 8 of 18 1. Explorer Commander The explorer in charge is responsible for the accountability of attendance at each meeting, and keeping communication between all members of the explorer post. This will include contact for special events. 2. Explorer Sergeant Shall be responsible for the esprit de corps, conducts an efficient operation of his/her squad. Insures that each member is ready for duty assignments with proper equipment and uniform. Sees to it that all orders from superior officers are carried out in a timely fashion. Completes and maintains monthly reports of his/her squad activity. Provides written documentation of events requiring recognition or discipline to their respective chain of command. 3. New Recruits Shall be responsible for completing all applications in the designated time period, reading and understanding the Explorer General Orders, and achieving passing score of 75% on the written test and 80% on the verbal test. C. Promotions Promotions will be made within thirty days (30) of a position of rank being vacated. D. Length of Terms The position of explorer in charge will be held until removed from office by the advisory board, they willfully step down by submitting a letter of resignation or they reach the age of 21. X. ADVISOR TERMS OF OFFICE AND APPOINTMENT: A. Director The director shall have complete power to overrule or veto without exception, a plan, function act or other matter that may arise. B. Post Advisors ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 9 of 18 The post advisor shall be appointed by the director. The post advisor positions will be a rotational position filled by the direction of the director. Sworn officers filling the position of post advisor will be rotated out of their position every 1 year, or at the discretion of the director. A constant rotation of officers ensures that the curriculum taught in the program stays current and covers a wide variety of topics, brought from each officer’s experience and background. Not more than one post advisor will be rotated out of assignment in less than a 3 month period, for the purpose of maintaining a good familiar relationship with post members. Letters of resignation or requests to remain in the position of post advisor will be submitted in writing to the director for approval. XI. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS: A. Conduct and Responsibilities 1. Standard of Conduct Members shall not engage in any conduct which constitutes neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming an explorer, or any act which is likely to adversely affect the discipline, good order or reputation of the explorer post and its sponsor, the Longwood Police Department’s Office, or the Seminole County Police Athletic League. When off duty, no member will act in such a way as to discredit or embarrass the agency, or the explorer post, which shall include all members and all advisors of the post. A high standard of conduct is expected of members at all times. Members are prohibited from using their official position to secure privileges for themselves or others, and engaging in activities that constitute a conflict of interest. 2. Loyalties Loyalty to the post and to associates is an important factor in post morale and efficiency. Members shall maintain loyalty to the post and their associates consistent with the law and personal ethics. 3. Truthfulness Members are required to be truthful at all times, whether under oath or not. Violation of this regulation may be considered grounds for immediate and unconditional termination of the post. 4. Insubordination ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 10 of 18 Members shall not commit any acts of insubordination. The following specific acts are prohibited by this section, but not limited to: a. Failure or deliberate refusal to obey a lawful order given by a superior officer. b. Any disrespectful, mutinous, insolent, or abusive language or action toward a superior officer. c. Knowingly making false statements or committing any disharmony, discontent or unrest within the post, or create animosity toward or mistrust of another member of the post. d. Failure to forward any information through the chain of command when requested. B. General Conduct on Duty 1. Prohibited Conduct on Duty Members are prohibited from engaging in the following activities while on duty: a. Sleeping b. Loafing c. Carrying any article, this distracts from proper performance of duty and or/any “non-uniform” articles. d. Possession of Chemical Mace, baton, firearms or any other weapon. e. Kissing or any other showing of affection in public. f. Conduct unbecoming an explorer. g. Any act or speech that directly affects the good order of the post. 2. Tobacco Prohibited All tobacco use is prohibited while in uniform, to include dip. 3. Relief of Assignment or Duty ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 11 of 18 All members are to remain at their assignment and on duty until dismissed by competent authority. 4. Inspections The director, senior advisor, or supply coordinator may call for a full dress inspection of the post, or any part thereof. Members directed to attend such inspections shall report in the prescribed uniform, carrying the equipment specified. Unauthorized absence from such inspection is chargeable as “absent without leave”. The post explorer in charge, major, or captain will conduct inspection of all members. 5. Military Courtesies When meeting in public, members shall conform to normal courtesy standards and refer to each other by rank. 6. National Colors and Anthem Uniformed members will render full military honors to the national colors and anthem at appropriate times. Members in civilian dress shall render proper civilian honors to the national colors and anthem at appropriate times. 7. Reporting Members shall promptly submit such reports as are required by the performance of their duties or by competent authority. 8. Address and Telephone Numbers Changes in address or telephone number shall be reported to the senior advisor, or the senior advisors designated member as soon as possible except under extenuating circumstances. 9. Communication and Information. As members of the explorer post, an explorer will have access to information that is not public in nature. This information will not be divulged to friends or to anyone who is not officially entitled to receive the same. Members are to maintain the strictest confidence in regard to information obtained through membership in the explorer post. 10. Fraternization ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 12 of 18 The Longwood Police Department’s Office, the Seminole County Police Athletic League, and the Boy Scouts of America do not condone and will not permit fraternization between explorers, and explorers and their adult leaders, or adult leaders of other affiliated groups. This applies to all youth members regardless of local or state laws related to age of consent. Fraternization is not morally appropriate, nor is it keeping with the relationship between youth members and adult leaders prescribed in the programs of this department and those of the Boy Scouts of America. Explorers are not permitted to show open affect by kissing, holding hands, or any other form, while in uniform, at meetings special details, or out of town delegate’s meetings/competitions. Members violating this directive are subject to disciplinary action. 11. Adult Leadership/Trips and Outings At least two advisors are required for all trips and outings, which have a large number of explorers present. At functions where there will be females and males (coeds), there will be adult female advisors and adult male advisors. This does not apply to trips or outings where there are two or less female explorers or two or less male explorers, routine details, and ride-a-longs. C. Uniforms, Processing and Appearance 1. Regulation Uniforms (Class C) The official class-c uniform of Explorer Post 212 shall consist of the explorer blue collared “polo” style shirt, black BDU’s, and black plain- toed, lace up, service style or hi-tech boots (shirts will be provided). Boots will be kept clean and shined at all times. Explorers are required to wear black crew-neck undershirts with the collared shirt. White tube style socks may be worn with class-c uniforms only. Uniforms shall be kept neat, clean and odor free and the shirts will be free of wrinkles. Explorers will be notified which event to wear class-c uniforms. 2. Uniform Replacements It shall be the responsibility of each explorer member to maintain his or her own uniforms. It shall also be the responsibility of each explorer to request replacement of an issued article that shows excessive wear, or is torn. The explorer will fill out an equipment request form and forward it through their chain of command to the supply coordinator. 3. Properly Worn ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 13 of 18 If a member elects to wear the prescribed uniform while traveling to and from meetings and functions, the complete prescribed uniform shall be worn. Members shall not wear the uniform, at any time or place, which might cast an undesirable reflection on the explorer post or the Longwood Police Department’s Office. The uniform of the day will be announced prior to all functions. No member shall wear any non- issued, unauthorized item(s) on/with their uniform unless approved by the advisory board. Explorers are permitted to carry on their duty belt the following items: Black Cell Phone Case Explorers are not permitted to carry offense or defensive weapons to include firearms, Tasers, nightsticks, batons, Maglite flashlights, knives with blades over 4 inches, chemical repellents or electrical shock devices. 4. Processing Explorer Applicants Explorers will be responsible for purchasing the following uniform items: a. (1) Black BDU style long pant b. (1) Black belt c. (1) Pair of black boots After an explorer recruit has successfully completed the application process, he/she will be issued the following: a. (1) short-sleeved polo style explorer shirt All members will wear the designated uniform to all meetings unless notified otherwise by the chain of command. Dues must be paid before uniforms will be issued. General Orders will be issued the second week of training. 5. Uniforms are property of the Longwood Police Department. All items issued are the property of the Longwood Police Department’s Office, and shall be returned within one week of separation from the explorer post. No explorer may purchase an explorer uniform without the consent from the director and senior advisor. Purchasing of explorer ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 14 of 18 uniforms will be considered upon favorable separation from Explorer Post 212. Explorers are only allowed to wear Longwood Police Apparel when conducting official explorer business. 6. Authorized Persons Wearing Uniform The Explorer Post 212 uniform will always be worn with pride. Personal integrity plays a vital role in how we look and feel. D. Grooming and Personal Appearance 1. Physical Appearances All members of Explorer Post 212 must be properly groomed, neatly attired, and maintain a good physical appearance. 2. Hair Regulations Both male and female members will wear their hair in a conservative and business-like style. The hair must be neatly trimmed and groomed. Fad hairstyles that do not present a professional appearance are not acceptable. Female explorers will wear their hair tied back and off the uniform collar (pony tails are acceptable). Male explorers may wear a mustache and sideburns, however, the mustache will be neatly trimmed at all times and is not to extend more than one-half inch below the corners of the mouth, and sideburns will not extend below the earlobes. 3. Dress Policies Members of Explorer Post 212 not wearing the official uniform must wear attire that is neat and appropriate for his/her assignment. Excessive amounts of make up are prohibited. Eye shadow and lipstick color will be professional. Bright or outstanding colors will not be permitted. Only female explorers are permitted to wear earrings and if they chose to do so, they are only permitted to wear gold or silver studded earrings. No more than one earring per ear is allowed and earrings must be worn on the earlobe. Necklaces are not to be worn outside the uniform shirt. Civilian clothing is not permitted to be worn with the uniform. The directors or senior advisor reserves the right to deem which constitutes appropriate attire within these established guidelines. 4. Physical Fitness ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 15 of 18 Explorers should maintain a level of fitness, which will allow them to perform their duties effectively. If a question arises as to the explorer’s ability to perform regular duties due to an apparent low level of health or fitness, the explorer may be required to submit to a physician’s examination and, if possible, to bring his/her health or fitness to an acceptable standard. XII. DISCIPLINARY REGULATIONS: A. Discipline and appeals procedures. Post members, regardless of rank, shall be subject to disciplinary action, according to the nature of aggravation of the offense, for violating their oath and trust by committing an offense punishable under the laws or statutes of the United States, the State of Florida, or county ordinances, or failure either willfully or though negligence or incompetence, to perform the duties of their rank or assignment, failure to abide by the Rules and Regulations Manual, or failure to obey any lawful instruction, order or command of a superior officer. Disciplinary action in all cases will be decided on the merits of each case. XIII. RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM: A. Ride-Along Explorers may be given the opportunity to participate in a ride along program sponsored by this agency, and certified by Boy Scouts of America. The ride-along program provides the explorer with the opportunity to observe the officers as they work in the field. It is but one element of the total Law Enforcement Explorer Program, and should be managed in a judicious and well supervised manner. B. Qualifications to Ride on Patrol Prior to riding on patrol with a Longwood Police Officer, the member must meet the following qualifications and required steps: 1. The explorer must have completed an application, and have been placed on the current explorer list located on the R drive. 2. An explorer must request to ride-along via email 3. The request must be 3 days prior to the date of the requested ride- along ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 16 of 18 4. The request will be forwarded to the supervisor of the shift requested to be approved. 5. If approved by the supervisor, the advisor will forward the approval to the explorer and commander. The explorer will then make the arrange details of pickup. 6. Although already approved, notification of the ride along must still be made to the Commander via email or phone call. 7. The length of an explorer ride-along cannot continue past midnight, unless approval has been given prior to by an explorer advisor. 8. It is still the responsibility of the officer to review the Longwood Ride Along Policy prior to each ride-along. 9. The explorer will obey the rules and guidelines provided in our current Ride-Along Policy. C. Riding on Patrol Riding privileges will be suspended if at any time an advisor has reasonable grounds to believe that riding interferes with school or an explorer group function or activity. All working activity shall conform to conditions and limitations enumerated by the Sheriff’s Office. Explores will be required to ride with officers for field training purposes between bi-weekly meetings. It is the responsibility of the explorer to coordinate a ride-along with the advisor. D. Termination of Ride-along The officer or the shift supervisor may terminate a ride-along at any time. Should the rider be terminated for any reason, the explorer is not to question the decision. E. Time/Dress/Equipment. The riding explorer shall arrive at the Longwood Police Department at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the appointed shift. The explorer will be dressed in their issues explorer uniform. The explorer will also bring the necessary equipment for the ride (duty belt and flashlight: flashlights are not issued). The explorer should bring money for drinks and meals for the ride. It is not the Officers responsibility to pay for an Explorers drinks or meals. Explorers are not to carry equipment that is not authorized by the Longwood Police ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 17 of 18 Department’s Office or Explorer Post 212. If an explorer is unable to ride at the designated time, the explorer is responsible for notifying the shift supervisor. F. Use of Equipment The explorer will never touch any emergency equipment controls or operate this equipment unless ordered to do so by the officer. Do not assume you should help without asking first. G. Riding with Other Agencies Explorers with the Longwood Police Department’s Office Explorer Post 212 are not permitted to ride with any other agency without first obtaining permission from the senior advisor, or director. If permission is granted, the explorer shall not wear an explorer uniform, or any other article of clothing that distinguishes Explorer Post 212. Only civilian attire may be worn. Explorers granted permission to ride with other agencies should maintain the same integrity and respect required when riding with an officer from the Longwood Police Department’s Office. H. Ride-along Request Forms A Longwood Police Explorer, who has fully completed the application process and has been placed on the current explorer list, does not need to complete the standard Ride-Along Request Form. The application on file will serve as a permanent approved request. I. Civilian Ride-Alongs Explorers are prohibited from attending ride-alongs as a civilian. As a member of Explorer Post 212 you are not considered a civilian at any time. For this reason, explorers are not permitted to, on their own accord, set up a ride-along with a police officer. Explorers will only be permitted to ride on patrol if they are doing so as a member of Explorer Post 212 and Ride-along Certified. XIV. ON VIEW SITUATIONS: A. On View Situations Explorers may view crimes “in progress” while on ride-alongs, on special duty assignments or while off duty with friends or family. This chapter sets forth guidelines on how to react to these occasions. It is also an integral part of the explorer’s duties while on a ride-along. B. Limitations ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICE YOUTH EXPLORER EPP – 58 Page 18 of 18 Explorers should realize they have no police powers. They are volunteers and should never take enforcement action. They are never to attempt to detain or arrest subjects either on or off duty. C. Trained Witnesses As an explorer you are a trained witness. You can record details of an incident. Your duty, if you should witness an incident, is to get to a safe location, call 911 advise them of the problem and any other detailed information. Remain where you are until contacted by a law enforcement officer. D. Special Duty Guidelines If you are on duty/special assignment, you should advise the communications center of the situation and details. Explorers are never to attempt to follow suspects. You should continue on with your detail unless ordered to do otherwise by the shift supervisor, a superior officer, or post advisor. E. Ride-Along Emergencies Should a serious situation develop on a Ride-along, and it appears that the officer is in imminent danger, the explorer should advise the communications center of the officer’s unit number, their location and the nature of the problem. If the officer is “down”, they should broadcast “officer needs help!” and give the location, the officer’s unit number and request an assist unit or rescue if necessary. F. Driving Policy Law enforcement explorers (whether in uniform or not) are not permitted to drive marked police vehicles or other motorized police conveyances. The exception to this policy is when explorer are participating in an authorized training program or competition and are under the direct, onsite, supervision of law enforcement officer.