Tehachapi News

The Bear Valley Police Department (BVPD) Explorer Post has been working to help within the Police Department by serving with officers with their work, people, and community events.

Carina Rice, 18, is just one of many Police Explorers helping the BVPD. 

Rice’s mother happens to be a BVPD Dispatcher who introduced her to Officer Motley.     

“When Officer Motley introduced Police Explorers to me, I became really interested and joined,” said Rice.              

From the ages of 14 to 20, students can train to become a Police Explorer. Students train in self defense, investigations, first aid, and learn about weaponry and CPR. 

“My favorite experience was when I had a pursuit with Officer Motley and had seen a suspect get pepper sprayed and taised,” commented Rice.  

Police Explorers represent their department with or without uniform, and show determination by standing out as professionals, according to Carina Rice.  

“It’s not always about the hard work, we have fun, too because we’re all best friends and one big family and team,” Rice said. 

It takes six to eight weeks to train, and after the age of 20, the explorers can apply to become an officer.