Crime & Safety
Police Explorers Just the Right 'Fit' for 13-Year-Old
Alex Zevits: Academy's rigid physical training helps instill self discipline.
- Name: Alex Zevits, 13, is a . The teen moved to Montville from Ringwood two years ago. Zevits was originally interested in Explorers because his brother and many of his friends are members.
- Why This Squad: “As soon as I joined it, it just fit,” Zevits said of the Explorers. “I just kept wanting to do more.” Zevits enjoys the training, particularly learning about police procedures. “I find the lessons very interesting,” he added. “Because there’s a lot of stuff I didn’t know that police have to do.” Zevits was surprised to learn that police are trained to prepare for any given situation to change. He noted that even for something as seemingly simple as a traffic stop, police officers are taught to put a hand on the car in case for some reason the car needs to be identified through fingerprints at a later time.
- Most Rewarding: “I would have to say how they teach about obedience. I think I have matured a lot since I joined,” Zevits said.
- Most Difficult: Zevits noted that the stress factor is pretty difficult. “You always have to keep you uniform maintained,” he said. “And you do get punished if it’s not in proper order.” Punishments are generally tied to physical training [PT] like push-ups or sit-ups.
- The Academy: In June, Zevits was one of 29 cadets who graduated from the Montville Police Department Law Enforcement Explorer Academy at the County of Morris Public Safety Training Academy. “I didn’t really like the physical training parts,” Zevits said, "because that was scary when they scream at you.” Zevits explained that physical training is particularly rigid at the academy. “They’re trying to really get you in shape, I think. And they want to teach you, once again, about self discipline.” Despite PT, Zevits found it fun to learn about law enforcement. In particular he enjoyed learning about tools police have at their disposal to make their jobs as effective and safe as possible. He also liked participating in competitive scenarios such as, “burglaries domestic violence, traffic stops, and stuff like that.”
- Time: “It’s hard work,” Zevits noted about the program. “But it’s good. It’s fun. All the activities are really fun.” The Explorer volunteers about four hours each week. Recently he received his CPR certification. “That took a lot of time,” he added.
- Lessons Learned: “I don’t really talk back now because I know it’s wrong,” Zevits said. “You have to treat an adult with respect.”
- Career: Through the Explorers program, Zevits has learned that after high school he wants to go to college, attend the police academy, and become a police officer. Other careers that he has considered include becoming a defense attorney or prosecutor, as well as a contractor. “I have always wanted to build designs, and make designs for buildings,” he said.
- Hobbies: In addition to Explorers, Zevits plays tackle on his football team. “That’s about it,” he said.
- Wants Others To Know About the Squad: Zevits said others should “definitely join [police Explorers] because it teaches you honesty and self discipline.”
- Favorite Thing About Montville Township: “Police Explorers.”
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