We've been busy!

2023 and 2024 has been especially busy years for our explorers. We had a significant number of kids achieve great accomplishments in their education as well as in their explorer careers as well.
KCSO hosted the first explorer competition post COVID-19 shutdowns. It was a great success and we plan to make this an annual competition for explorers across the state to participate in.
The KCSO explorer program runs year round and it always accepting applications. Join the team today!

Appreciation Banquet

Every year we have an appreciation banquet to honor the hard work our explorers put into this program. In 2022, the KCSO explorers recorded over 10,000 volunteer hours. We are incredibly grateful to have them supporting our communities.
​Great job everyone!

End of the Year 2022

KCSO explorers wrapped up the year by attending the winter academy in Yakima for 6 days. Returning explorers learned firearms basics and even got hands on training with commissioned officers.
We are very proud of the hard work our explorers put in all year, with a total of 10,343 volunteer hours contributed in 2022! That's equal to 8 full time employees.

Recruiting!

The explorer program accepts applications all year. Occasionally, explorers will go to high schools and community colleges to get more people interested in the program. If you would like the explorers to visit your school, have a guidance counselor reach out the post closest to you.

End of the Summer Picnic

Our explorers have worked very hard this summer, they were fortunate enough to do lots of events and trainings that have not been available the last few years. King County and their contract cities greatly appreciate their efforts. Thank you to our agency and city dignitaries for taking the time to attend.
Excellent work explorers!

Summer Academy 2022
​KCSO explorers recently attended a 6 day mock police academy. 26 of our explorers completed the basic course, the largest agency representation at the academy. Numerous of these explorers achieved leadership roles within their platoons, some won commander’s awards from the academy command staff, and patrol partner awards from their peers. Multiple detectives, sergeants, and dignitaries from contract cities, as well as Sheriff Cole-Tindall made an appearance at graduation to congratulate the explorers. Their support of the explorer program is unmatched by other agencies.

SeaFair 2022

KCSO explorers assisted Seattle PD during SeaFair weekend. Explorers are responsible for the hot zone in the hydro plane pits. They ensure no curious people wander into the maintenance area that could pose a safety hazard to them. They also provide security and general safety in the public area of the hydro pits. After some hard work, explorers also got personal tours of the hydro plane and the broadcasting tower.

Actors for Mass Casualty Training

Burien/SeaTac and Maple Valley Explorers got a unique opportunity to be actors for a multi-agency mass casualty/active shooter training. Explorers were disguised with fake blood and silicone injuries to provide officers with realistic scenarios to enhance the training. After training the explorers got to tour the rigs and equipment of King County Sheriff's Office Tac-30 SWAT and Air Support Units.

Maple Valley Days 2022

A three day long event complete with carnival rides, games, and a parade. Explorers regulate parking, assist in crowd control, and security throughout the park. All our King County posts- Burien, Maple Valley, North (Woodinville), Sammamish, and SeaTac come together to make this event possible. In addition to the amazing support of our neighboring agencies -Customs and Boarder Protection, Kent, Redmond, and Seattle.