Explorers: The pre-Academy academy

They seemed like true cops - the tall postures, the proud attitudes, the unflinching eyes - as Capt. Brett Bindley inspected their hair, uniforms and shoes, one by one, 13 areas in all.

"Your shirt is nice and creased. Your pants are not wrinkled," Bindley told Cadet Steve McQuirk. "I like that. Your boots are pretty nice. Work on them a little more."

Bindley studied cadets and quizzed them to see if they understood the basics.

"Make sure you also have a notebook, a black pen and some kind of identification on you," the 17-year-old told Cadet Summer Whitehead.

These are the members of the Explorers program at the Carson City Sheriff's Office, a program resurrected by Deputy Earl Mays, the executive post adviser, about two years ago.

"This is how I got started," Mays said Tuesday night during the group's weekly meeting. "I was in Explorers for four years in Reno. It helped me get my foot in the door. And I want to give back."

Cadets experience a slice of the cop world: crime scenes, witness statements, Miranda rights, 10-code, radio operation. Cadets even accompany deputies on ride-alongs.

"Our goal is to get them hired," said Deputy Rudy Hindelang, an Explorers adviser. "They're not just going to sit in the car and go along for a ride."

That's the reason McQuirk joined Explorers. Not only does he want to be hired in law enforcement, he wants to hired by a federal agency, maybe the FBI or the U.S. Marshals.

"I think it's the theory of being stuck in an office all day," the 19-year-old University of Nevada, Reno sophomore said. "I'd rather be out with the adrenaline going and helping people."

Jorge Tinajero, 17, a senior at Carson High School, dropped in Tuesday night to see what the Explorers program is all about. As the night turned to a discussion of handcuff brands and techniques, Tinajero cuffed someone for his first time.

"I want to be a cop," he said.

His responsibilities will be many in Explorers: Shiny shoes, an ironed uniform, a tucked-in shirt, up-to-date knowledge of police standards and routines, weekly meetings, an attitude to maintain and a 2.5 grade-point average.

At next week's meeting, Capt. Bindley wants to see the cadets' report cards.

"We're strict on that," Mays said. "School always comes first."

n Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

Joining the Explorers

• The program is open to anyone between the ages of 14-21.

• Explorers currently has 14 cadets.

• For more information, call Deputy Earl Mays at 887-2020, ext. 5280.

• Applications are at the front desk of the Sheriff's Department, 901 E. Musser St. Applicants must pass a background check.

• The Explorers program needs donations, particularly so members can attend the annual Western Regional Conference each year. To donate, call Mays.

High-Intensity Academy

A High-intensity Explorer Academy Training program (HEAT) is scheduled for the Sheriff's Office over Memorial Day weekend. The second annual HEAT is open to Explorer cadets from any agency. It was in Winnemucca last year. Call Mays at 887-2020, ext. 5280 for information.