The Police Department participates in the Boy Scouts of America program called "Learning for Life Police Exploring". Since our program emphasizes municipal law enforcement, we call our scouts "Police Explorers". In order to join the program in Union City, the applicant must be at least 14 years old; have an interest in law enforcement; have no criminal history and maintain a 2.0 grade point average in school. The Explorer Post fluctuates between 10 and 25 Police Explorers. Many have gone on to careers in law enforcement. Currently, fifteen former Explorers hold positions with the Union City Police Department.

The Explorers attend weekly meetings and receive training in various law enforcement subjects. Each Explorer rides along with a Union City police officer once a month. Some Explorers are provided the opportunity to attend a one-week Explorer Academy.

Explorers assist police officers with controlling traffic at parades and other special events, perform various administrative duties for the Traffic Section, Patrol Section, Investigations Sections, Personnel and Training Section, Community Oriented Policing Unit, Records and Communications.

The Explorers gain valuable experience by running their own post. The post is administered by an Explorer staff consisting of one Explorer captain, one lieutenant, and several sergeants. The Explorer staff is responsible for organizing the Explorer events, assigning Explorers to assist in different projects, and the day-to-day operations of the Post. The Explorers are assisted and overseen by our Explorer advisors, Corporal Steve Mendez, Officer Ryan Seto and Officer Jon Persinger.

Anyone interested in joining the post can obtain an application in the lobby of the Union City Police Department, or contact one of the advisors at (510) 471-1365.