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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Explorer Program continues to thrive, recently demonstrating its strength at a regional competition hosted at the Houston Police Department Academy. The event drew Explorer teams from across the region to test their law enforcement knowledge, skills, and teamwork in high-pressure scenarios.

The HCSO Explorers faced various realistic challenges at the competition, including domestic disturbance calls, robbery-in-progress scenes, DWI stops, and misdemeanor and felony traffic stops. These scenarios were designed to simulate the complex, high-stakes situations officers encounter in the field while testing their law enforcement knowledge, skills, and teamwork. According to Deputy Isaac Torres, who helps lead the program, preparation was intensive.

“For the Explorers, we meet once a week as normal, but we also include an extra day of training on the weekends with more hands-on, scenario-based work,” Torres said. “We came up with different situations to challenge our Explorers and push them into uncomfortable situations to help them grow.”

That mindset — embracing discomfort as a path to growth — is something Explorer Sergeant Carlos Cantú echoed.

“You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Cantú said, reflecting on the competition. “I missed being part of a team. The hard work, the process, the competition — it’s all rewarding, especially when you see your teammates have their efforts recognized.”

One HCSO team placed third overall in combined scoring across four scenarios. Torres said what stood out most was the team’s refusal to give up, especially when facing an uncooperative and combative role-player.

“They didn’t give up when things got hard,” Torres said. “Their determination and teamwork really showed, especially when dealing with a combative role-player. That’s what impressed me the most.”

Explorer Kailly Cortés, one of the students who competed, found herself under pressure during the felony traffic stop scenario when suspects singled her out as the only female in the group.

“It was pretty stressful at the time, but it taught me to maintain calm and focus on what’s important,” she said.

Like Kailly, Carlos said the experience of training and competing alongside a close-knit group has been deeply meaningful.

“I generally enjoy being alongside my team and putting in the work,” he said. “My favorite moment so far was achieving first place overall in our very first competition as a team. That was unforgettable.”

The HCSO Explorer Program gives young people ages 14 to 21 a firsthand look at law enforcement careers by working alongside deputies. Participants attend law enforcement classes modeled after police academy training. They are challenged to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally, developing discipline, problem-solving skills, and resilience. The program not only provides a unique learning experience but also opens doors to potential careers in law enforcement.

“I’ve seen the program continue to grow as more young adults become interested in this calling as a career,” Torres said. “It’s evolved into a family no one thought they wanted or needed.”

Carlos agrees. “This program put me back on focus,” he said. “It’s shaped how I think about discipline, staying in shape, and especially teamwork. I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience and learned to be a better communicator and teammate.”

The impact is lasting. Many former Explorers have gone on to careers in law enforcement, including current advisor Officer Glenn Samuels III, who completed the Explorer program, earned his police officer license through Lone Star College-East Aldine Campus, and now serves with the Aldine ISD Police Department.

“The Harris County Sheriff’s Explorer Program profoundly shaped my path in law enforcement and helped mold me into the officer I am today. As a young adult entering the program, I was eager but unsure of what a career in law enforcement truly entailed. Through hands-on training, mentorship from dedicated deputies, and real-world exposure to public service, I developed not only a foundational understanding of police work but also the discipline, professionalism, and sense of duty that the badge represents.

“The Explorer Program taught me the value of teamwork, ethical leadership, and service to the community. It provided a safe yet challenging environment to grow and learn, emphasizing accountability and integrity. These lessons stayed with me throughout my training and daily responsibilities as a law enforcement officer.

“I’m proud that the program didn’t just prepare me for this career — it inspired me to pursue it purposefully. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and opportunities the Explorer Program provided. I continue to carry its values in every call I respond to,” said Officer Samuels.

Community partnerships have also played a pivotal role. The East Aldine Management District has been a key supporter, helping reestablish Explorer Post 42 and providing training space, meeting areas, and financial support for competitions. Their support ensures that finances never get in the way of our Explorers’ opportunities.

“We’re exposing the community youth to how law enforcement can be a good influence,” Torres said. “East Aldine Management District’s support ensures finances never get in the way of our Explorers’ opportunities.”

For Carlos, representing the agency at competitions is a matter of pride.

“It feels amazing to show off all our hard work and make our agency look very good and proud,” he said.

According to Torres, “We are more than just a program. We are setting the foundation for these young men and women so they can thrive in whatever path life chooses for them.” For the Explorers themselves, the experience is transformative.

Explorer Kailly Cortés joined the program at the encouragement of friends. She stayed for the opportunities and personal growth it offered. For Kailly, the program was a gateway to better connections and experiences for a future career in law enforcement.

At the recent competition, Kailly found herself under pressure during the felony traffic stop scenario when the suspects singled her out as the only female in the group.

“It was pretty stressful at the time, but it taught me to maintain calm and focus on what’s important,” she said.

Kailly shared that the program has taught her the biggest thing about herself: She is her biggest critic, obstacle, and supporter. It’s up to her to become the best version of herself. Kailly credits the program with reshaping her goals.

“Being an Explorer has reassured me to continue my education in criminal justice and that I want to work with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office when I’m older,” she said. “I’ve learned that the best part of a police officer’s career isn’t the arrests and the crime, but the impact they leave on the people they serve.”

Her advice to other teens is: “You never really know what you’re getting yourself into until you try it, so don’t hesitate to join the program.”

Carlos offered encouragement to those on the fence: “Give it a shot. You’ll be surprised by what you learn — not just about law enforcement, but about yourself.”

Torres encourages those interested to reach out. “If you have any interest in law enforcement or wish to gain some knowledge, give us a try,” he said. We’re a big family with many mixed personalities and want to see new faces.”

To learn more about the HCSO Explorer Program, visit hcsoexplorers.com or contact Deputy Isaac Torres at [email protected] or (346) 286-3027.