Applications for Cranston Police Explorer Program Accepted Until Aug. 5

CRANSTON, RI—There's still a few days for young people who have completed 8th grade to sign up for the Cranston Police Department's Police Explorer Program.

Applications for the program will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5.

It's a chance for teens as young as 14 and young adults up to 20 to learn how a police department operates, hands-on. Explorers will take part in mock police calls as well as join officers out and about in the community.

The program will be run through the academic year on weekday evenings.

It "aims to bring the gap between our younger children and law enforcement," according to a department news release. And police hope to encourage participants to consider a career in law enforcement as well.

Visit: https://form.jotform.com/61716122704145 to begin your application. Email Captain Vincent McAteer at vmcateer@cranstonpoliceri.com if you experience any problems or have any questions.

Cranston Police Chief Michael J. Winquist Jr. said that the program hopefully will encourage community stewardship and civic pride in the city.

“This Police Explorer program is a tremendous opportunity to increase positive interaction between our Department and the youth within our city. In addition to impressing upon students the importance of discipline, physical fitness and respect for their community, my hope is that a graduate of the program will aspire to join our Department as a police officer in the near future," Winquist said.

The program is funded by the city and was backed by the administration of Mayor Allan W. Fung and the City Council.

Winquist thanked Councilman Richard Santamaria in particular for his efforts securing the money to get the program off the ground.

Cranston joins numerous other communities around the country with police explorer programs.

Law Enforcement Exploring is endorsed by numerous professional organizations, including the International Chiefs of Police Association (IACP) and the National Sheriffs Association (NSA). Law Enforcement Exploring is a well-established and highly respected program that has served as a platform from which countless young adults have launched a successful career with local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies.