To join the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program, Post 916, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be at least 14 years old, completed the eighth grade, and are not yet 21 years old.
   • Younger than 14? Check out Junior Explorers, Club 915!
2. Must be enrolled in high school, home schooled or have a high school diploma or equivalent.
   • Not in high school yet? Check out Junior Explorers, Club 915
3. Must have and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better, if in school.
4. Must have never pled guilty or no contest to any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, or have more than three moving violations on your FLHSMV record in the last two years.
5. Must be of good moral character.
6. Be of sound mental and physical capacity without serious current or prior mental/physical health issues which may interfere with normal law enforcement functions or activities.
7. Must pass a complete background investigation.
8. Must attend at least three consecutive Post meetings as a visitor.
9. Must complete the Post membership application (provided at the visitor’s first meeting).
   
   • All forms must be completed for background check. 
10. Must complete an administrative interview with a Post Advisor, and pass an oral board, consisting of four Explorers and a Post Advisor.

Explorers must pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 membership fee upon acceptance into the Post.  This includes registration in the Explorer Program and insurance from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).  There are no other Post dues.  This can be payable with cash or check (payable to: Explorer Post 916; include “Post Membership” in the memo). If paying with check, it is not deposited until the applicant is accepted into the Program. Other costs may be incurred by the member for additional equipment such as black tactical boots, undershirts, flashlights and more.  If an applicant is experiencing financial hardship, a parent or guardian should notify the Senior Advisor.

1. Attend your first general meeting as a visitor. Applicants will be given a formal application.
2. At the second general meeting, the applicant will submit the formal application and complete an administrative interview with the Senior Advisor. The Senior Advisor will go over the application and ensure all requirements are met. Applicants may arrive at 5 p.m. before the start of the general meeting to complete the interview.

3. At the third general meeting, the applicant will participate in an oral board consisting of four ranking Explorers and an advisor. The panel will ask the applicant questions regarding their interest in joining the Post and evaluate decision-making skills. Applicants may arrive at 5 p.m. before the start of the general meeting to complete this step. If there are any discrepancies or disqualifications during the background investigation, the Senior Advisor will inform the applicant.

4. After successful completion of all three steps, the applicant is issued Post uniforms and is enrolled in the New Member Orientation program, which is the first segment of the field training program. Newly accepted applicants are considered on probation until the completion of New Member Orientation and Field Training programs. Probationary members can attend Explorer functions, community events and training sessions.