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.
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.
Police Athletic League
The Virginia Beach Police Athletic League (PAL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building positive relationships between law enforcement officers and youth through mentorship, education, athletics, and recreational activities. In partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department, PAL provides programs and opportunities designed to promote personal growth, leadership, teamwork, and positive decision-making. Through initiatives such as youth camps, boxing, life skills training, and community engagement events, PAL connects children and teens with positive role models, strengthens relationships between police and the community, and helps youth develop the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in life.
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.
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.