The Metropolitan Police Department's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a monthly intervention/prevention initiative designed to build positive relationships between DC public high school students and police officers while equipping students for their futures.
Students learn about college and work readiness, positive-choice planning, and professional development while participating in social and educational activities to prevent and reduce violence and victimization and promote positive behavior. These activities that focus on three basic objectives:
- Exposure to people and career paths, so the students can learn about the many career choices available
- Access to mentors, role models and internships that can provide a spring board for future career choices
- Opportunity to gain the tools to become successful adults
The Youth Advisory Council is made up of students, 14-18 years of age, who were selected through the schools. Monthly meetings include social and educational events (trips), educational seminars, special guest speakers who interact with the youth to encourage positive change, and basic career planning. Good citizenship is a common topic of discussion among the young people who participate in the Youth Advisory Council.
Youth Advisory Board
A small group pf YAC participantes are identified as Youth Advisory Board members, and they meet regularly with the Chief of Police to disucss topics that focus on building trust, understanding perspectives, promoting engagement, informing policies to gather youth feedback, and educational opportunities offering students insights to law enforcement. Overall, the board serves as a bridge for communication, collaboration, and positive change within the community.