Police Explorer Program
The Elm Ridge Police Department charters Police Explorer Post #1190. The Police Explorer Program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America through the Learning for Life Organization. The program is available for ages 14 (and completed the 8th grade) to 20.
Law Enforcement Exploring is a hands-on program open to young men and women who have completed the 8th grade through 20 years old, interested in a career in law enforcement or a related field in the criminal justice system.
The program offers young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism.
Application Process:
- Complete and submit Elm Ridge PD Explorer Application
- Complete and submit Learning for Life Application
- Pass Background Check
- Oral Interview conducted by Post Advisors
Fees
The Police Department pays all Learning for Life annual fees.
A check in the amount of $50.00 is due at the time of application to Elm Ridge Police Department. Of this amount, $25.00 is refundable if not accepted into the program.
For more information or to request an explorer application, please email communityprograms@elmridgetx.org
Citizen Police Academy
**NEXT CLASS TBA 2023!**
The academy will run for 10 weeks. Classes will be held every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This academy will be an in-depth, hands on course taught by the law enforcement professionals who patrol your streets everyday. The academy is open to all residents of Elm Ridge WCID (Savannah, Arrowbrooke, and Artesia.)
To apply for this program, download the Application and Release of Liability Waiver below. Once the application and liability waiver are filled out and signed, return them either in person at 728 Savannah Blvd. (Elm Ridge Police Department) or by email to communityprograms@elmridgetx.org. If emailed, we will need the original signed documents on the first day of class.
Due to the nature of this course and topics covered, a basic background check will be conducted. Unfortunately, if you have ever been convicted of a Felony or within the last 10 years been convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor, and some Class B Misdemeanors you will not be able to attend this academy. If you have any concerns or direct questions, feel free to contact Sgt. Joe Gordon at communityprograms@elmridgetx.org.
Vacation House Watch Program
As a service to residents the Elm Ridge Police Department is pleased to provide it’s residents with the Vacation House Watch program.
Residences that are left vacant when the owners are out of town are prime targets for burglaries and vandalism. To reduce these threats, the Elm Ridge Police Department offers a Vacation House Watch service that provides increased patrols for those residents who are away from home. While the residence is on Vacation Watch, officers will routinely check the location to ensure the house and premises are secure, and will investigate any suspicious circumstances. When practical, your residence will be checked two times a day. Vacation House Watches are limited to a two week time period and are subject to officer availability.
To request a Vacation House Watch please fill out the Vacation House Watch Request form and drop the form off at the police department during normal business hours.
Special Needs Alert Program (S.N.A.P.)
The Elm Ridge Police Department’s Special Needs Alert Program (SNAP) helps first responders identify children, or adults, who are unable to communicate their names or addresses due to a cognitive impairment or other special needs. Examples could include persons with Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer’ s, Down Syndrome or a traumatic injury.
To enroll, a special needs individual (aided by a caregiver) completes an information sheet and supplies a photograph (digital preferred) or may pose for a photo at Elm Ridge Police Department during normal business hours. Police personnel will then accept the completed form and photograph then input the photo, physical description and other information into a specialized database within the department. The photograph and supplied information will be affixed, through the dispatch CAD system, for responding officers’ immediate access of information to assist in locating a missing loved one or to reconnect a loved one with their family.
If the individual is found wandering, police can search the database for individuals who match the physical description. With photo identification, medical information and emergency contacts easily accessible, police will be able to return the individual to caregivers quickly and safely.
Bicycle Registration Program
As a service to our residents, Elm Ridge Police Department officers free bicycle registration. In registering your bike with the department, you significantly increase the chances of it being returned in the case of theft or loss. Further, it may act as an excellent tool in the event of a lost or missing child unable to give police current contact information. Contact us today to receive a bicycle registration form.
Patrol Ride-Along Program
The department shall perform a records check and criminal history check on any applicant for ride-along. A person shall not ride unless approval has been granted and the waiver completed. Approval will be for no more than one specific four hour period unless special limitations or extensions are granted by the Chief of Police or Lieutenant . Males will wear slacks and shirt with collar. Jeans are not appropriate attire. Close toed shoes are required. Females will wear dresses or slacks and blouses. Jeans are not appropriate attire. Close toed shoes are required.
- The observer must follow directions of the host officer.
- The observer may be required to appear as witness in court.
- The observer may end the ride whenever he or she wishes.
Business and Residential Camera Registration Program
The mission of the camera registration program is to enhance the quality of life in the Elm Ridge WCID community through a partnership with Elm Ridge Police Department.
The purpose of the program is to identify businesses and residences with video surveillance systems and or Ring doorbell systems that may capture potential incident(s) in publicly viewable areas. The recording would be used to assist the investigation of that incident(s) allowing for crime deterrence and resolution of the incident.
Once the registration form is submitted, police investigators may contact you to inquire if an incident has been recorded on your system and to request a copy of that recording.
Participation in this program is strictly voluntary, without remuneration and can be withdrawn at any time.
To participate in the program please complete the registration form and return to the police department front desk Monday through Friday 8a-5pm.