Three years ago, Officer Adam Taylor and Tommy White got together and created a CHP Program at Taft Union High School. They were inclined to create such a program on the request of former student Christian Simpson. In order to create such an advanced program, Taylor and White had to get approval from the school board. Starting with 12 students, the CHP Explorer Program was a go. To become an explorer, the students must to be 15 through 20 years of age. Explorers are highly involved with volunteer hours. They work closely with Taft Chamber of Commerce, local law enforcement, Buttonwillow community, Kern County Raceway, and security of community events. Each explorer receives around 100 community hours a year.

Fast forward three years, leadership has grown. It is now considered one of the top two CHP Posts in California. The leaders of the program are as follows: Captain Makenna Kirby, Lieutenant Michael White, and Sergeants Hunter Thomas and Reagan Montgomery. The post has now advanced to having 16 explorers in total. Each explorer has the ability to attend CHP academy over the summer to advance their abilities in law enforcement. There are four levels offered at the academy: level one, level two, level three, and level four. Level one is ranked a cadet in training, level two is ranked a cadet, level three is ranked an explorer, and level four is ranked a senior explorer. In total, six students have been sent, including two concurrent students. White stated, “The CHP Explorer Post gives students the opportunity to get hands on training and experience in one of the most unique ways a student can in law enforcement. It’s a fantastic program to train students in discipline and civic services.”

Concurrent students, Lieutenant Michael White and Sergeant Reagan Montgomery both attended the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. At the academy, explorers go through hours of training in order to better their civic skills and discipline. Sergeant Montgomery said, “My favorite thing was probably drill and seeing our progress in our marching. I did enjoy it although it was mentally and physically challenging. I feel like it was a good idea for me to go because it showed me the part of law enforcement you can only understand and appreciate after you’ve endured it. It gave me a look into something I might want to further as a career.” White said, “My favorite thing about the academy was the intensity that was there. I didn’t enjoy it, I loved it. I can’t wait to go back again. I think it was a good idea for me to go because it gave me a chance to see what the academy looked like. I also think it was a good idea because it showed different things that I can change and add in our post to make it better.” Being a CHP Explorer allows students to gain experience about the law enforcement field with real-life scenarios. It also gives each explorer an entrance to the CHP pathway.