Youth Advisory Committee

VBPD’s Youth Advisory Committee gives high school students in Virginia Beach the chance to provide valuable input on topics and issues impacting youth in our community. Members can earn community service hours and will network with other teenagers and City leaders. Meetings are held monthly at various locations throughout Virginia Beach.

• Youth Advisory Committee Application

Parks After Dark

During the summer months, Parks & Recreation partners with the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) and other City departments to put on the Parks After Dark program. The events are held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the summer and provide events and activities for young people and their families.

Parks After Dark events are held at Williams Farm Park, with an expansion to other City parks coming in the future.

Arrive Alive VB

The Arrive Alive VB program teaches safe driving to teenagers, focusing on the dangers of intoxicated or distracted driving. This program includes instructional learning, a mock crash scene, a mock funeral, and more to emphasize the importance of driving safely.

Arrive Alive VB is a collaborative effort between the VBPD, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Public Schools, Sheriff’s Office, Sentara, and more.

Blue Link

The Blue Link mentorship program is a community-based initiative connecting middle and high-school-aged youth with VBPD officers and staff in an informal and/or school-based setting. The program’s mission is to encourage positive behaviors and decision-making that may provide a number of benefits to the youth, including improved academic performance, reduced involvement in risky behaviors, and an improved relationship with law enforcement.

Additionally, School Resource Officers and other select officers will partner with multiple elementary schools through the Blue Buddies program to offer support and encouragement for students who could benefit from having a positive role model regularly visiting the school.

Rec Center Mentor Program

In partnership with Parks & Recreation, the YSU’s Blue Link program pairs youths with police officers as they enjoy their local recreation center. This program aims to meet young people in areas they feel comfortable and help foster positive relationships with law enforcement.

Whether via scheduled events or impromptu gatherings, police officers can join kids to play basketball and other games, or other activities, to start building those important relationships.

Safety Squad

VBPD participates in the Fire Department’s Safety Squad, which visits every elementary school in Virginia Beach to teach fourth and fifth-grade students about gun safety, internet safety, situational awareness, and more.

Badges and Board Games Club & Blue Knights Chess Club

Next Event: Sept. 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Training Academy (411 Integrity Way)

The Badges and Board Games Club and Blue Knights Chess Club give young people ages 6-17 the chance to play chess and other board games with VBPD officers and staff. Thanks to a partnership with the Hampton Roads Chess Association, these activities provide young people the chance to interact with law enforcement in positive ways to develop respect and trust.