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West Covina Police describe Explorer program; staff and council discuss $15,000 annual funding request
Summary
The West Covina Police Department briefed the council on its Police Explorer program, saying it operates on donations and currently has five active members; staff and council discussed a wish list of about $15,000 to support uniforms, travel and competitions.
West Covina Police presented an overview of the department’s Explorer program at the May 6 council meeting and asked the council to consider additional support for the youth career-development program.
Lieutenant Mike Weatherman said the Police Explorer program, sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, serves youth ages 14–20 with training, community service and career exposure to law enforcement. He said the program historically had about 20 members before the COVID-19 pandemic; it now has five trained explorers and two recruits. The post is supported entirely by donations and event revenues and operates with no dedicated line in the city budget, Weatherman said.
The program assists with traffic control at events, participates in competitions and provides ride-along opportunities and life-skills training. Lt. Weatherman said the post currently operates on an approximate operating budget of $3,000 and asked the council how the city could support expenses related to uniforms, equipment, travel and competitions; he said a realistic wish list to cover a fuller year of competition and equipment would be about $15,000.
Council members asked questions about partnerships, intersections with Boy Scouts activities, and how donations could be routed; Weatherman and staff noted the program’s charter, its funding limitations, and how donors can give via the department website or through contact with department personnel. Council directed staff to note the program’s request for possible inclusion in future budget and sponsorship outreach.
What’s next: staff will evaluate options for the program’s funding needs, outline pathways for donations and sponsorships, and return with recommendations if council wishes to create a budget line or provide one-time support.
