Monterey County Sheriffs Office to relaunch Explorer Program

UPDATE 2/24/16 6:20 PM: Despite facing a deputy shortage, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to inspire future generations of law enforcement. The office is relaunching its Explorer Program, which gives young people a sample of what a life in law enforcement looks like.

Juan Herrejon, a deputy recruit from Marina, says the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has opened doors for him.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Monterey County sheriff since I could remember and the foster care system that I was with got me connected with the Explorer Program because they knew that’s what I wanted to do and that was the best connection I ever made because I felt right at home,” Herrejon said.

He joined the Explorer Program in 2007 until it was disbanded in 2011 because of budget cuts. It’s aimed at young people from 14-20 years old who may be interested in law enforcement. It teaches them the basics from understanding radio codes to how to use handcuffs, even how to be professional and handle high stress situations.

“What it is, is an environment where youth can go learn how to be positive and respectful adults that can actually be functional in society and learn a whole array of tools and skills that can be transferred to any career they go into,” Herrejon said. “So it teaches them how to grow up responsibly.”

Herrejon went on to pursue a degree in criminal justice at San Jose State and is now a recruit going through the academy. He’s been hired conditionally but still needs field training. The sergeant who helps run the program says it hasn’t always been an easy road.

“It didn’t just happen overnight,” Sgt. Erika Kaye said. “It came with some road bumps but that’s what we’re there for, to kind of guide these kids along the way and be mentors at the same time. So for him to have gone through the program, graduated from high school, went to college, graduated from college and now he’s in the police academy with our department where he started, that’s amazing. That’s amazing.”

And for Juan, who is at the early stages of his law enforcement career, he hopes to make it to the top.

“If we’d really like to look at the big picture, one day I’d like to be the sheriff of Monterey County,” Herrejon said. “But I still have quite a ways to go, there’s still a lot of experience and knowledge that I have to acquire before I can do that.”

If you have a young one interested, the Sheriff’s Office is holding an open house on Friday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office on Natividad Road.

ORIGINAL POST:

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is bringing back their Explorer program with high hopes of boosting local recruits.

The program gives young adults the chance to learn about what a career in law enforcement is like.

Tonight on KION, Mariana Hicks shares the story of a deputy-sheriff who went through the Explorer program. Catch her story at 5 and 6 tonight.