Full Notification

San Mateo, CA — The San Mateo Police Department is proud to announce the outstanding performance of Police Explorer Post 211 at the Central Valley Explorer Competition held this past weekend, June 20–21, 2025, hosted by the Manteca, Ripon, and Modesto Police Departments.

The event brought together over 35 Explorer Posts from California, Nevada, and Hawaii to compete in a rigorous, skills-based law enforcement competition designed to challenge and prepare future leaders in public safety.

Explorer Post 211, representing the City of San Mateo, sent seven dedicated Explorers to the competition, where they participated in 16 realistic law enforcement scenarios. These included high-stress situations such as burglary in progress, suspicious person investigations, felony car stops, DUI investigations, hostage negotiations, and critical incident responses.

Among a highly competitive field, Post 211 distinguished themselves by earning 1st Place in Hostage Negotiations and 3rd Place in Felony Car Stop. A true testament to their professionalism, preparedness, and teamwork under pressure.

This is not the first time Explorer Post 211 has found success at a competitive law enforcement challenge. In 2023, the Post competed in ExCon, a national Explorer Challenge hosted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Competing against 41 teams from across the nation, including Explorer Posts from New York, Florida, and Michigan, they earned 1st Place in Exigent Entry, 2nd Place in Suspicious Situation, and 3rd Place in Honor Guard. 

In 2024, Post 211 again competed in ExCon. This time against 47 Explorer Posts from across the nation. They once again showcased their consistency and excellence by taking home 2nd Place in Suspicious Situation, 3rd Place in Honor Guard, and 3rd Place in Crime Scene Investigation.

"We’re beyond proud of our Explorer teams — they really knocked it out of the park this year. These young men and women continue to impress us with their dedication and teamwork. This is our third year in a row placing, and that’s thanks in large part to our amazing Explorer Advisors and support from POST 211. The future of law enforcement looks bright with these rising stars leading the way," says San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini.

The San Mateo Police Explorer Program, which falls under the Youth Services Unit (YSU) of the police department is designed to offer young adults between the ages of 14-20 an immersive experience in the field of law enforcement while fostering leadership, discipline, and community service.  To learn more about Post 211 and how to join visit, Police Explorer Program | San Mateo, CA - Official Website.