HomeMy WebLinkAboutIII. D. POLICE YOUTH SERVICESVBPD Youth Services Unit
Lt. Kevin Lokey | June 11, 2024
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•Formed in January 2023
•Currently staffed with a lieutenant, one sergeant and
two officers (one officer vacancy)
•Serves as a liaison with external agencies (VB
Schools, Commonwealth Attorney, Juvenile Intake,
Detention, JDRC, etc.)
•Manages all youth programs and outreach efforts
OVERVIEW
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•Engage youth & reduce offenses committed by
juveniles
•Bridge gap & build relationships
•Humanize officers in the eyes of youths
•Provide productive activities and education
opportunities
•Mentor youth in the community
•Recruit future officers
GOALS
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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM
•28 SROs & 4 SRO Sergeants
•YSU lieutenant oversees the SRO program
•Ensures consistency throughout each precinct
•Serves as liaison with VBCPS
-Primary point of contact for school issues
•Develops training for the SROs
•Works with DCJS & Training Bureau to ensure SROs
meet certification requirements
•Monitor school threats & investigations
•Works closely with VBCPS to ensure safety of
students
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CITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
PARKS AFTER DARK
•Parks & Recreation Program
•Provides activities for communities
•Held Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
evenings during summer months
•Williams Farm Park
SAFETY SQUAD
•VBFD Program
•Every elementary school (55 total)
•4th & 5th Grades
•Teaches gun safety, internet safety, &
situational awareness
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EXTERNAL
PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM •An Achievable Dream at Lynnhaven
Middle School
•Life Enrichment Center
•United in Him (Twin Canal neighborhood)
•Kids Law Academy
•3rd Grade Mentor Program
•Boys and Girls Club Passport to Manhood
•Bridging the Gap
EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAMS
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SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS
•Law Enforcement: Principles &
Practice class at Green Run HS
•Public Safety Program at
Technical & Career Education
Center
•Arrive Alive VB
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•Patrol Aide Program (formerly Cadet
program)
•Public Safety Cadet Volunteer Program
•Youth Police Academy
•College Internship Program
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
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YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS
CAMP BLUE LINE
•July 22 – August 2
•Ages 12 – 16
•Topics: interview skills, officer
wellness, basic law, physical
training, investigations & patrol
operations, firearm safety
CAMP CONNECT
•July 15 – 19
•Ages 10 – 15
•Topics: financial skills, communication, conflict resolution, teambuilding, water safety, wellness, firearm safety
•All campers will be paired with a police mentor upon completion
•Taught by SROs and YSU Officers
•Includes daily activities, tours of police facilities, scenarios, fishing trip, swimming, etc.
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MENTORSHIP & OUTREACH
•Blue Knights Chess Club
•Badges & Board Games
•Rec Center Mentorship Program
•VBPD Mentorship Program
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
•YSU attends various community events
throughout the year
•Provide flyers on various programs,
freebies, stickers, and free gun locks
•Cornhole boards, photo stations, games
•Online request form on VBPD website
•Since April 2023, YSU personnel have attended
over 170 community events & youth programs
•Career days
•Safety Squad lessons
•Back to School events
•Chess events
•Rec Center visits
•Youth contacts
•Difficult to quantify
•Some programs have better turnouts
•Quantity vs Quality
•Challenging to reach the youth who really
need these programs
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•“It’s Not A Joke”
school safety training
•STOP
•Parent Resource Expo
•Youth Advisory Panel
•Mediation Program for
Teens
•Police Athletic League
•LEAD
COMING SOON
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THANK YOU
Questions?
Lt. Kevin Lokey
Youth Services Unit
kalokey@vbgov.com
(757) 385-7214
police.virginiabeach.gov/community/youth-services
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