Youth Police Advisory Council

"I was expecting it to kind of like when teachers ask their students to make expectations with the teacher controlling it, but I was shocked when the meetings started and we were all treated as equals and how it was like a think tank" - student

History

The Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC) was created in 1997 by Houston Chief of Police, C.O. Bradford, who recognized that teenagers are often overlooked as a source of insightful input regarding youth and law enforcement issues. The primary function of the YAPC is to promote trust and understanding between the Law Enforcement and youth.

"I believe the way this program is arranged is perfect" - student

Format/Objective

The Rogers Youth Police Advisory Council will meet five times a year during the school term. The members of the YAPC will poll their peers before the meetings and gather relevant questions, issues, and concerns of students to present at the meetings. The information gathered is then disseminated to their peers and schoolmates.

The meetings and projects are designed to accomplish the following:

  • Promote serious dialogue with youth
  • Advise the Chief of Police about current issues of importance concerning youth
  • Communicate mutual concerns of the police department and youth
  • Unify our youth into a positive force for the good of the community
  • Establish broad based support among youth for the police department
  • Bring awareness to peers on crime related issues

Topics of Discussion 

  • Violence Issues- teen dating violence, school violence, date rape, personal safety
  • Relational Issues- respect, peer pressure, conflict resolution, teen/adult relationships
  • Youth and Legal Issues- youth and the legal system, long-term consequences of arrest record, what to do when in the company of someone who commits a crime, illegal use of drugs and alcohol, gang involvement.

"Thank you for a great experience" - student

 Qualification/Selection Process 

To be considered for YPAC, a student must meet the following criteria: 

  • Attend a high school in the City of Rogers. 
  • Download and complete application.
  • Write an essay explaining the desire to serve on the council.
  • Obtain parental approval to serve on the council.
  • Obtain school administration approval to serve on the council.
  • Applications are accepted at the beginning of the school year (August-September).

Meetings

Meetings for YAPC will be:

  • September 25, 2019
  • November 6, 2019 
  • December 11, 2019
  • February 5, 2020
  • April 29, 2020

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

Click here to apply to the YAPC

"Yes, I loved handing baskets to the elderly, they were so sweet..." - student