Bradenton Police Explorer Post #1004

Our weekly meetings provide the opportunity to learn from officers first-hand. Recently, Officer Parnau and Officer Palacios spoke about criminal investigations and the evidence required to make an arrest. Want to sit in on a meeting and see what we're all about? Learn more about joining us: bradentonpd.com/explorerprogram

Don't forget to buy something extra this year for a local child or teen! We'll be collecting toys at the Bradenton Police Department's Fill The Truck toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BPD - 100 10th St. W., Bradenton. All you have to do is pull up and drop off gifts - we'll take care of the rest!

Being physically fit is a requirement for acceptance into the law enforcement academy. Officer Williams led one of our recent PT days, demonstrating the proper form to maximize effort and minimize injuries.

The Explorers are proud to be a part of the Bradenton Police Department's annual Fill The Truck Toy Drive, which collects unwrapped gifts for kids and teens. We'll collect gifts at BPD on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and hope you'll stop by! The police department is located at 100 10th St. W., Bradenton.

🎃 👻 The annual Goblin Gathering is TOMORROW, from 5-8 p.m. at G.T. Bray Park. We're so glad this year's event could be rescheduled - we were worried it might not happen due to damage caused by and ! Stop by and meet our Explorers - we have a lot of candy! G.T. Bray Park is located at 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W. and is accessible from 59th St. W. or 51st. St. W. 🍬

Due to Tropical Storm preparations, Wednesday's meeting is canceled. Please stay safe!

Last week's meeting topic was the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Bradenton Police Department officers discussed when a pat-down search is justified, and the proper procedure.

Explorers Aiden Jackson and Isai Rodriguez, seen here with Bradenton Police Department Chief Melanie Bevan, are also JROTC cadets! They helped honor the lives lost to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks during a ceremony hosted by Mission BBQ.

Officers Waterman Ortiz, Rivera, and Olivas are happy to answer your questions about being an Explorer! We're proud that we have several Explorers that are JROTC Cadets - they make us proud! If you're a Manatee High School student, stop by our table this evening, 6-7 p.m. Manatee High School

Come see us! Bradenton Police Department Explorer Advisors will be at Manatee High School from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 6-7 p.m. to answer questions about the Explorer program. We'd love to have you join us!

Maybe there are future CSIs among us! Thanks to Bradenton Police Department CSIs Amanda and Kelsey for showing us around your lab, and setting up a mock crime scene!

This week's Explorers meeting focused on understanding the basics of crime scene investigations. Officer Huddelson explained that patrol officers must know the basics of identifying, collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence, such as fingerprints. Bradenton Police Department