North Austin News

The Austin Police Department (APD) has introduced the APD Youth Program, a community initiative aimed at enhancing future local hiring efforts. The program involves APD staff collaborating with over 60 Austin youth to develop a professional recruiting model that offers multiple tracks leading to employment with the department. Additionally, the program seeks input from adult community members to identify necessary support systems for potential young recruits.

APD's focus on community engagement and trust aims to foster a better understanding of police officers' daily responsibilities and challenges while gaining insights into community perceptions and needs. This project addresses urgent public safety concerns related to staffing shortages, officer recruitment and retention, and workforce diversification. The department currently faces an unprecedented number of officer vacancies, a decline in applicants, unit reorganizations, mandatory patrol overtime, and increased response times.

Youth participants will be compensated $21.63 per hour for up to 30 hours of involvement. They will work alongside police officers, non-profit organizations, school officials, local consultants, and marketing specialists through focus groups. Adult participants will engage in separate sessions to provide their perspectives. Both youth and adult sessions will be recorded with consent for use in highlighting the program.

Eligible youth must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in specific schools to participate. Interested individuals can learn more or apply by visiting www.austintexas.gov/apdyouthprogram or emailing APDYouthProgram@austintexas.gov.

APD emphasizes the importance of engaging with the broader community to increase support for police services and build trust in law enforcement. Adult community members are invited to participate in three one-hour sessions focused on providing feedback about the youth-led recruiting model developed by program participants.

For more information or to apply for the Adult Participation Program, visit www.austintexas.gov/adultyouthprogram or email APDYouthProgram@austintexas.gov.