The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Junior Police Academy Magnet Schools and 2-year College Program was developed in 1989, with the support of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), with the focus on developing high school students for careers with the LAPD. Over the years, LAPD realized it needed to reach students much earlier, and they affiliated with a number of middle school programs.


Historically, the LAPD assigned a full-time paid police officer to serve as the coordinator of the program. Beginning August 18, 2015, LASPD became involved in the program, deploying full-time paid police officers, to serve as career instructors as well as coordinate their respective school program, development, and enrichment of students.


Since this program evolved, it has become affiliated with the California Partnership Academy (CPA) program, and also receives financial grants from the California Department of Education. In 2009, the LAPD expanded the program to incorporate a community college component. Thus, this was the birth of the POPP program, which stands for Police Orientation Preparation Program, which can funnel graduating high school students from their respective magnet school programs into a 2-year college degree program.


This program is affiliated with West Los Angeles Community College and students can earn an Associate of Arts Degree (AA) in Administration of Justice working through the LAPD Ahmanson Recruit and In-Service Training Center. West Los Angeles Community College has assigned an on-site Administration of Justice degree program coordinator to the academy, who oversees the delivery of the college curriculum for the POPP program.

Our program acquaints young people with a law enforcement career, involves them in positive civic relationships, and guides them, as they become productive members of society.

Our program acquaints young people with a law enforcement career, involves them in positive civic relationships, and guides them, as they become productive members of society. The program started with twenty explorers and has involved thousands more since. Many participants have gone on to attend college and returned to serve their community as Police Interns, Police Officers, and Police Detectives. Police Explorers are given the opportunity to work assignments and activities supporting the Los Angeles Unified School District and neighboring communities. All Explorers are eligible to earn free college units, high school credits, and community service hours while they gain skills that apply to any career path or occupation.

Activities

One aspect of this program is physical fitness. The training consists of a variety of exercises, including push-ups, sit-ups, and running. The enthusiasm to be the best encourages Police Explorers to push their own limits.

The program provides young men and women with the opportunity to gain valuable leadership and life-skills training experience for a future career path.

Volunteering time to improve the quality of life in our underprivileged communities sits at the core of being a LASPD Explorer. Giving back to our community is our commitment.

Our program is nonprofit and financially supports itself. Explorers are involved in fund-raising by assisting at events such as football games, parades, and other similar events.

Requirements 

♦ Age 14-20

♦ Maintain a school grade average of “C” or better

♦ No criminal history

♦ Pass a background investigation

♦ Parental permission

♦ Actively participate in explorer's activities

♦ Attend weekly meetings

♦ Complete an Explorer Academy in 2024-2025 school year.

Join our team today! Download YOUTH APPLICATION and MEDICAL CLEARANCE FORMS

Contact 

Sergeant Charles Kupahu
(213) 479-7769
charles.kupahu@laschoolpolice.gov

Officer Andrea Magana
(213) 509-7269
andrea.magana2@laschoolpolice.gov

Officer Travis Fenderson
(213) 610-1150
tlf9052@laschoolpolice.gov

Explorers Locations

LASPD Headquarters
125 N Beaudry Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Kennedy High School (Region North)
11254 Gothic Avenue
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Wilson High School (Region East)
4500 Multnomah Street 
Los Angeles, CA 90032

Gardena High School (Region South)
1230 177th Street
Gardena, CA 90248

The Anger Management Program for Students (AMPS) aims to educate 3rd and 4th grade students of the Los Angeles Unified School District for basic anger management.

The program includes training in handling anger-related behavior to include threats and other negative behavior manifestations. The focus on these early grade levels is key to laying a foundation that can be carried through childhood to the adult years.

A.M.P.S. focuses on positive methods of handling anger by providing alternative solutions for identifying and preventing anger-related behavior. The program includes:

♦ What causes anger? 

♦ How do we handle the emotion of anger? 

♦ Criminal Threats and Battery; the definition and the consequences.

♦ Role-playing exercises dealing with real life situations for young people.

♦ How to report information related to anger such as threats and other negative behaviors.

The presentation is approximately one hour in length in an auditorium setting. Presenters are trained uniformed police officers and school safety officers from the LASPD.

To learn more about AMPS for your school or to schedule a presentation, please email Retired Sgt. Rory Seldon at RSeldon@AMPSforKids.com or visit AMPSforKids.com, or Facebook.com/AMPSforKids.

Retired Sergeant Rory Seldon
(310) 613-0885

The Hero In You Foundation, in partnership with the Los Angeles School Police Department, presents 'Rocket's Sense of Safety & Beyond!'

The Rocket Rules programs teach emergency preparedness, safety awareness and social emotional skills to children from Pre-K to 2nd grade.

Rocket's fun library of videos, books and activities teach children life-saving safety skills and foundational mental health tools so they can do their best every day!

To learn more and schedule your presentation, please visit RocketRules.org

If you have questions about the Sense of Safety & Beyond program, email: Bunni@Rocketrules.org