Coconut Creek Police Explorer

Join the Police Explorers

The City of Coconut Creek Police Explorer Program is a law enforcement program designed to educate and introduce youth that have an interest in law and law enforcement functions. The program is affliated with the National Learning for Life program. The Explorer Program establishes an awareness of the complexities of police service. Post members are given an opportunity to see first-hand the efforts of sworn personnel and later share their observations with their peer group. In this way, the basic standards of civic responsibility can be instilled. Other important aspects of the program include learning to become a team player and developing leadership skills.

Police Explorers benefit from the unique experience of riding along with police officers during their shift. This program is available to Explorers who are at least 16 years old and meet certain criteria. Throughout the year, Explorers also participate in community events such as the Annual Butterfly Festival, Butterfly Run, and Arbor Day Free Tree Giveaway. During summer, the Explorers are given the opportunity to test and apply their police skills, as they participate in police scenario-judged competitions against local and state-level posts. Explorers earn community service hours for  participation in all events and meetings which are necessary for high school graduation.

Police Explorers receive training in:

  • Performing a Traffic Stop
  • Building Search
  • Radio Operations
  • Arrest Procedure

Applications are accepted year around.

Contact Us

4800 West Copans Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
Police Department Main Number: 954-973-6700


Police Explorer Qualifications

  • High school students ages 14 through 16
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Good moral character
  • No history of serious school disciplinary action
  • No arrest record
  • Residency in the City of Coconut Creek is preferred

The applicant’s membership is active until their 19th birthday. A criminal history check, background check and drug screening will be performed. All members can apply for the veteran explorer program which extends membership until their 21st birthday.

Other Aspects of the Program

  • Develop leadership skills
  • Earn community service hours
  • Train in patrol tactics, investigative and arrest procedures
  • Participate in community events
  • Scenario based competitions against local and state level posts

For more information about the program, please email Explorers@CoconutCreek.net or fill out the Contact Information Form and submit it to the receptionist at the Coconut Creek Police Department, or return it to your School Resource Officer.

Successful candidates must attend three meetings, and have an oral interview before final approval of acceptance into the program. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The meetings are conducted at Lyons Creek Middle School or at a designated location set by the advisor.

For those interested, please fill out our new candidate form. Please fill it out, scan it, or take a picture of it, and then email it to Lead Advisor Mancuso.

Meeting Times: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For more information contact any of the Explorer Program advisors:

Ofc. Anthony Mancuso
AMancuso@coconutcreek.net
Post Advisor

Ofc. Alexis Dorta
ADdorta@coconutcreek.net
Post Associate Advisor

Ofc. Gavin Henry
GHenry@coconutcreek.net
Post Associate Advisor

Ofc. Edwin Almanzar
EAlmanzar@coconutcreek.net
Post Associate Advisor

Det. Shana Conley
SConley@coconutcreek.net
Post Associate Advisor

Ofc. Jennifer Lara
JLara@coconutcreek.net
Post Associate Advisor

Police Explorer Candidate Registration

Butterfly Capital of the World

© 2024 City of Coconut Creek. All rights reserved. Butterfly and Coconut Creek emblem are registered trademark of the City of Coconut Creek. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.