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Council backs plan to develop youth Explorer program; staff to return with details and funding plan
Summary
The council endorsed building a law‑enforcement Explorer program for ages 14–20 and asked staff to return at the next meeting with program details, data and formal adoption language; staff proposed using cannabis business‑tax allocations already designated for new police programs.
The Lathrop City Council directed staff to return with final program documents and a formal adoption resolution for a police Explorer program that would recruit local youth ages 14–20 for mentorship, training and limited ride‑along experiences.
Captain Richard Berry of the Lathrop Police Department presented the proposal, describing a program of classroom training, field exposure, periodic ride‑alongs for participants age 16 and older (with parental consent), physical fitness components and community service. He noted the program follows national Exploring guidelines and that parents and applicants must sign waivers; applicants over 18 would undergo a fingerprint (Live Scan) background check.
Why it matters: Explorers can create sustained police‑community engagement, mentor youth interested in public service and provide a recruitment and pipeline channel for careers in public safety. Staff proposed funding the initial program costs from the cannabis business tax allocation the council previously directed to new police and parks programs.
Council direction and financial questions: Council members supported the concept but asked for additional data and program safeguards. Concerns raised included liability and insurance coverage for ride‑alongs, the need to document outcomes from comparable programs (for example, Stockton’s Explorer program), and clarity on the cannabis‑funding balance. Deputy City Manager Thomas Hedegaard said the cannabis‑funds allocation for police programs had already been set by prior council action (50% to police, 50% to parks), and staff will present the specific dollar amounts in the budget documents.
Outcome and next steps: Council voted to have staff return at the next scheduled meeting with a formal adoption package that includes program metrics, liability/insurance confirmations, selection criteria, background‑check procedures and a defined funding request. The council and staff asked for a one‑page data summary comparing similar programs and an implementation timeline.
