BUENA PARK : Police Explorer Has Start on Her Dream

Adriana Flores says it would be a dream to someday work for the FBI.

“I would love to. It’s something exciting and fun, and it’s what I’m learning here,” said Flores, a sergeant with Buena Park Police Explorer Post 474.

And Flores, a Buena Park High School senior, already has a head start to reach her dream. Because of her outstanding performance and dedication, Flores, 18, was recently chosen as her post’s Explorer of the Year.

“She’s one of the top explorers,” said Police Sgt. Terry Branum, who is the post’s adviser. “She’s a role model for the Explorers because of her commitment, the amount of hours she puts in, her outstanding citizenship and her grades.”

Flores said being a role model is proof that one can achieve, despite some barriers. Six years ago, Flores came to the United States from Sonora, Mexico. She did not speak English.

Flores, who has three brothers and two sisters, said it was hard to learn a second language and remembers crying her first day of school.

“I overcame a lot of obstacles,” said Flores, who is her school’s student body president and has earned top academic honors. “And now I’m trying to be a role model to others to show them to have self-confidence and help them to be leaders too.”

Flores, who has a 4.07 grade-point average and is involved in soccer, cross-country and track, currently dedicates at least 50 hours per month to Explorers.

She works the front counter at the Buena Park Police Department, writes minor police reports and volunteers to do police work at community functions.

Flores also practices for Explorer competitions such as athletic races and simulations of police arrests and tutors other students to help them keep their grades up to remain involved in the post.

She joined Explorers two years ago because she was interested in learning about police work. “It’s giving me experience for the future,” Flores said.

Branum said 43 youths aged 14 to 21 are involved in the police Explorer program, which gives them an overview of law enforcement.

They learn about different aspects of police work, including traffic control, identifying narcotics and crime and gang prevention, Branum said.

The program is a good introduction to police work to determine whether the youths are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, he said.

“It’s just a good group for them to be in because of the social activities, the commitment and involvement in the community,” Branum said. But, he added, “not all are going to become police officers.”

Flores said she plans to attend college and study political science and international relations. She’s not sure where she’ll attend college, but Claremont McKenna College is considering her for a scholarship.

She wants to become a reserve police officer and has her career goal set on working for an agency such as the FBI.

“I like challenges,” she said. “When I set a goal, I usually achieve it. My first goal was to break the language barrier. And I did.

“And by being a police Explorer, I’ve learned a lot. It’s helped me to learn self-discipline and to respect others.”