Young people explore law enforcement careers

Sam Hollinger The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Explorer Program empowers young men and women to succeed in life, regardless of their career goals.

In addition to spending 18 Saturdays at the Explorer Academy, the aspiring deputies take part in law enforcement patrols, help at DUI checkpoints, assist the beach team in Malibu, and volunteer at the sheriff's station during special events.

According to Dep. Kevin Augarten of the Lost Hills Station in Calabasas, the Explorer program is an excellent vehicle for those young people who want to gain different experiences and broaden their horizons.

"Police officers wear many different hats, and an Explorer gets to see and experience this firsthand," Augarten said.

The curriculum also touches on public and personal safety, citizens' rights, criminal law, police procedures and psychology, among other topics.

Being an Explorer requires discipline and commitment, but the effort comes with rewards, said Sam Hollinger, 18.

The Agoura Hills resident joined the program last year to jumpstart his career in law enforcement.

Hollinger graduated from the Explorer Academy in Valencia in January 2009 and now takes advance classes to continue his training with the sheriff's department. The deputies oversee public safety throughout L.A. County.

"I knew I wanted to go in law enforcement, so this is a good head start," Hollinger said as he prepared to spend a recent evening at a DUI checkpoint in Calabasas.

The practical experience of working with deputies is beneficial for Explorers, he said. "I learned a lot about what the sheriff's department does and met a lot of good people."

Hollinger attends Moorpark College and plans to transfer to California Lutheran University to earn a degree in criminal justice. He hopes to earn his badge from the Sheriff's Academy while he is still in his early 20s.

All young deputies work in the county jail for several years before they're assigned to a station, Hollinger said.

He was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement while taking a criminal justice course at home.

His father, Mark, a volunteer with the Malibu Mountain Search and Rescue Team for more than a decade, motivated Hollinger to become involved with public safety.

Police work is wide-ranging and sometimes unpredictable, so deputies must be prepared to handle anything at any time, said Hollinger, noting that routine traffic stops can turn into lifethreatening situations without warning.

The Explorer program also opened doors for Brett Ryan, 20.

"It's an amazing program for anyone who is interested in law enforcement," said the Woodland Hills resident who now works as a community service officer with the sheriff's department. Ryan attends college and plans to become a deputy in the future.

To qualify for the Explorer program, students between the agesof15and21musthaveaC average or better in school. They must have a strong moral character and no serious arrest record, and must meet basic physical requirements.

"Most Explorers are really responsible people; this is not a rehabilitation program," said Augarten, who oversees several volunteer groups at the Lost Hills Station.

For more information about the Explorers, call Augarten at (818) 878-5563.