San Juan teens learn to be police by participating in Explorers program

The San Juan police officers' guns are drawn and they are barking orders at the driver of a maroon Ford F-250 who's been pulled over on a traffic stop.

"Put your hands on top of your head and interlock your fingers - do it now," Jaime Solis says.

The officer is just 15 years old.

The guns he and his peers are using aren't real.

But the teens - part of the San Juan Police Explorers program - take the simulation seriously.

Jaime and about 15 other Pharr-San Juan-Alamo area students are learning the intricacies of police procedures in anticipation of careers in law enforcement.

San Juan police Sgt. Joe Robles, who leads the program along with Investigator Angie Cavazos, supervises the simulations and gives pointers. During last week's exercise, he reminded one student to keep his finger off the trigger of the fake gun he had drawn on a suspect.

The students, age 14 to 21, meet once a week for their training and regularly join San Juan officers on ride-alongs.

In its 10th year, the program provides students an after-school activity and is also a valuable recruitment tool for the department, leaders say. Nearly every Explorer wants to enter law enforcement, and most plan to do so with the San Juan police.

"It's for anybody interested in law enforcement," Robles said. "It keeps them out of trouble, especially during the summertime."
Students say they believe their early exposure to law enforcement techniques will give them an edge over their peers when they enter police academies.

"Not many people are given this opportunity," said Explorer Joe Torres, 18.

When officers driving students on ride-alongs pursue a suspect, the students are actually able to help out by providing driving directions and watching intersections to make sure they're clear. Explorers are also allowed to help with traffic control around car accidents.

The group participates in Explorer competitions, in which students demonstrate their skills at handling simulated traffic stops, crime scene investigations and other areas of law enforcement. The team recently took second place in a competition in Lubbock.

They also help with graffiti cleanup around town and recently had an anti-tobacco campaign in which they picked up cigarette butts in a park.

"I pretty much know everything they (police) do," said Explorer Jonathan Monroy, 17.

Ryan Holeywell covers PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.

Support the Explorers: For more information about the San Juan Police Explorers or to make a contribution, contact Sgt. Joe Robles or Investigator Angie Cavazos at (956) 787-9904.