On December 1st, 2008 the department started its first police explorers post. The founding members of the explorer program, choose Post 300 in honor of Officer Dan Picagli who was the department's PAL officer when he was struck by a vehicle and lost his life on October 21st, 2006. Exploring is Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the e
ighth grade) or 14 through 21 years old. Adults are selected by the department for involvement in the program as advisors. Police exploring purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities. Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate an explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop. The hope is that the explorers choose a career in Law Enforcement. Explorer posts can specialize in a variety of career skills. Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience. Our Explorer post is lead by three police officer who serve as advisors for the program. The Post has worked at many different events throughout the city such as Jazz concerts on the Green, Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament, New Haven Open at Yale, Christopher Martin Road Race as well as providing MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) information at police DUI road stops and providing safe Halloween info and candy to children at Walmart. The POST is very active in community service activities.
