AURORA FOR YOUTH

Purpose: Build stronger relationships within the community and the youth of Aurora.

The Strategy: Model and teach skills that will help youth make good decisions and become future leaders.

The Aurora for Youth (AFY) program contributes to the needs of the community through educational enrichment programs and interactions with our youth voices.

Formed in 2013 as a pro-active, multi-faceted approach to youth matters in the city of Aurora, AYF provides opportunities for Aurora police officers to interact and connect with youth, allowing both youth and police to see a different side of one another while promoting a cooperative climate in our community.

AFY facilitates various school-based events and public safety educational programs, including: APD Explorers program, Camp Postcard and Global Teen Police Academy.

AFY EDUCATION PROGRAMS: AFY Officers teach formal curriculum in schools, recreation centers, church youth group and parent/guardian groups. They include:

• Global Teen Police Academy (GTPA) program began in June of 2014 and is offered to High School students each summer for two weeks (half day sessions) in June and in July. Graduates learn more about the daily functions of the police department, get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and how and why they make the decisions they do while performing their duty. Topics covered include the First Amendment, "Shoot, Don't Shoot" Scenarios in the Simulator, Gangs, Internet, Firearms Safety, Patrol, Traffic, SWAT operations & K9 unit. Often graduates of the Academy go on to join the Police Explorer Program.

• APD Police Explorer Post 2024 received its charter on Jan. 3, 1981. Youth (ages 14 to 20) interested in exploring a career in Law Enforcement and/or serving their community attend a 16-week Academy (every Saturday January-April). The Academy offers young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through a comprehensive program of training, competition, service and practical experiences. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism. Police Explorers have provided thousands of donated hours of service to APD and our Aurora community assisting with traffic control, community events, DUI checkpoints, and numerous other activities as well as attending various Local and National competitions and trainings. Some of our Explorers have gone on to become APD's finest and other law enforcement careers.

Community Outreach: AFY staff are members of several community committees and ad hoc committees as needed. Officers provide presentations for youth and parents to help increase their awareness of issues occurring in our community.

If you have any questions, or would like to know more information about the numerous Aurora For Youth programs, please contact at 303.739.1772.