La Porte PD's Explorer Program members depicted                          LPPD Explorer Coordinators guide program members 
   along with the Chief of Police and one ot the department's                            during regional competition in Lake Jackson
                     three Police Area Representatives

The La Porte Police Department currently has a Police “Explorers” Program available for youth ages 14 to 20. The primary mission of the Explorer program is to educate teens who are interested in pursuing Law Enforcement as a career. The Department’s Support Services Police Area Representatives (P.A.R. Officers) sponsor the group and provide training in a vast array of topics including:

• The History of Policing
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Traffic Enforcement Procedures
• S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics) Activities
• Criminal Investigation Techniques
• Firearms Safety

Following completion of their initial training, Explorers may also participate in the Patrol Ride-Along Program upon obtaining permission from their legal guardians.

Officer Roger Gonzalez is the “Explorer” Coordinator. The Police Department encourages interested youth to contact Officer Gonzalez at 281-842-3183 for more information regarding enrollment into the Explorer Program.


While safety and classroom instruction are a vital part of the Youth Explorer Program, structured practice sessions and scenario-based competitions can include events such as felony traffic stops or posing as react teams who check schools for armed suspects.