When I recently met with new BHPD Chief Max Subin, I learned about his pathway to a career in law enforcement. That pathway was the police Explorer and Cadet programs that he followed through his years at Santa Monica High School and California State University at Northridge.

When I expressed interest in learning more about these programs, the Chief introduced me to two of Beverly Hills’ finest, Police Sergeant Audra Alatorre, who oversees the programs, and Officer Arda Guvlekjian, who manages and directs the programs.

The more that I learned, the more impressed I became.

These programs are an important recruiting tool for BHPD. Nothing could provide a greater attraction to a career in law enforcement than involvement with our unique department.

Sgt. Alatorre is the daughter of a BHPD officer. Her father was forced to retire because of cancer. When he was going through chemotherapy, BHPD officers would drive to their home in LaVerne, pick him up and take him to Good Samaritan Hospital in downtown Los Angeles, approximately 40 miles away, wait during the treatment and then drive him home. Sgt. Alatorre, then a high school student, was so impressed by this brotherhood that she resolved to join the Department. And she did.

Today, Sgt. Alatorre’s father is cancer free.

Here are the basics:

The Explorer program is for high school students ages 14-18 and is open to students who maintain a 2.0 GPA and are in good physical health and of good moral character. There is an interview process and once accepted the Explorers attend an Explorer Academy at El Camino College. The commitment is a substantial one – they attend the Academy every Saturday from 6a to 5p for 12 weeks. It is a junior version of the Police Academy that all sworn officers attend and involves physical training, defensive tactics, role playing, instruction in the Penal Code, firing range, how to conduct traffic stops and searches, radio reporting and preparation of written reports.

The program has been offered by BHPD for over twenty years. Academy courses are offered twice a year and there is no requirement that the applicants be Beverly Hills residents.

After graduation, they are sworn in and given a badge and then assist the Department in a wide variety of activities such as the recent Night Out, the Los Angeles Marathon, ride-alongs and DUI checkpoints. These are all voluntary. The only requirement is that the Explorers attend two hour monthly meetings where they receive instruction in law enforcement activities.

They also compete in ability to perform different law enforcement scenarios with other Explorer programs from around the region.

Officer Guvlekjian, who takes a strong personal interest in the Explorers that she shepherds said:

“The Explorer Program not only provides the Explorers with hands-on training and education in law enforcement, but it also builds their confidence and teaches them leadership skills and public interaction.”

Beverly Hills parents whose children were part of the Explorer program have been very enthusiastic.

Councilmember Sharona Nazarian told me:

“All three of our sons participated in the Explorer Program, and I had the privilege of watching firsthand how it shaped them. It was a wonderful experience for each of them, and over the years I have seen the program continue to evolve and become even stronger.

“The Explorer Program does far more than introduce young people to law enforcement. It instills discipline, builds character, develops leadership skills, and teaches responsibility, teamwork, and respect. It gives participants the confidence to challenge themselves, serve others, and become engaged members of our community.”

Commissioner Rose Kaiserman was equally enthusiastic. She said:

“Both my children went through the program and thought it was a wonderful experience, overall. Through hands on training, the program taught them teamwork and discipline which helped shape them into confident, responsible and community minded young adults.

“I highly recommend this program to any parent, regardless of their child’s interest in law enforcement as it has become much more than that for my children. The friendships they have formed with their fellow Explorers and the BHPD will officers are special and something they will cherish throughout their lives.”

Notably, Camille Kaiserman is a recipient of the Jonah Anschell Memorial Scholarship award that is given to outstanding Explorers. This scholarship is contributing to the cost of her education at Tulane University where she is a varsity cheerleader.

The Cadet program is a more advanced version of the Explorer program and is for college students. The Cadets, who become PD employees after completion of training, undergo an extensive background check and further interviews. They are advised by BHPD employees including both sworn officers and other employees such as dispatchers.

They assist BHPD in a number of ways including working in the crime lab, managing property and evidence, and assisting community service officers and traffic control officers.

These strike me as wonderful programs. Unfortunately, despite my enthusiasm, Sgt. Alatorre and Officer Guvlekjian firmly and unhesitantly rejected my application. I only wish that I had known about them when my children were in school.