Mentorship & Outreach
Mentoring young people and fostering positive relationships with youths is a critical mission of the Youth Services Unit.
Parent Advisory Committee
VBPD’s Youth Services Unit is seeking applications from Virginia Beach parents interested in serving on the Parent Advisory Committee. This group will meet monthly to discuss a variety of issues that impact our community’s youth and receive input from parents. Discussion topics will include gun violence, internet safety, vaping, distracted driving, and school safety.
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.
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
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.
LEAD and Board Games
Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (LEAD) is an evidence-based drug and violence education program that offers fun and interactive lessons to build self-confidence and allow young people to make healthy choices.
A different LEAD lesson will be provided each week and attendees will be able to play a variety of board games with officers afterward. Lesson topics include setting goals, making responsible decisions, conflict resolution, managing emotions, bullying situations, anger management, and drugs and alcohol.
Attendees must be a current middle school student and every effort should be made to attend all sessions. Registration is required for this program as space is limited.