The Explorers Program is a unit within the police department designed to give young adults between the ages of 14-21 with an interest in law enforcement, an opportunity to see the law enforcement profession first hand.

Explorers attend instructional meetings taught by police officers twice a month at the Canton Police Department.  The meetings are used to teach the Explorers the law and police procedure when responding to calls such as domestic violence, crime scene investigation, accident investigation, etc.  This knowledge is then put to use at the annual State Explorer Competition where the Canton Police Explorers compete against 29 other Explorer posts from all over the state.  The competition is scored by scenario-based evaluations.

Congratulations to the Explorer team for taking 3rd Place overall in this year's Governor's Cup competition. 

In addition to the competition, Explorers attend a one-week police boot camp in the summer which provides more in-depth learning and training.

Once a person is accepted into the Canton Police Explorer Unit, they will receive a uniform and can participate in the ride-along program where they will have an opportunity to ride in a patrol vehicle with police officers during their shift, and respond to actual calls with the officer.  Explorers also work special detail assignments such as Liberty Fest and community outreach programs.

Many participants have graduated from the Explorer program and are now police officers working throughout the state of Michigan.  Two recent graduates are currently working for the Canton Police Department as full-time police officers.

The program is free, but participants must be a resident of the Plymouth/Canton school district or a resident of the 35th District Court area which also includes Northville City and Township.

For further information please contact one of the following officers at 394-5400:

Officer Waltz
Officer Kaledas
Officer Esselink
Officer Marinelli
Officer Szostak