Youth Programs

PSCs receive basic instruction in various phases of law enforcement, including but not limited to:

• Criminal and traffic law
• Criminal and accident investigation
• Crime prevention
• Traffic control and direction
• Community policing
• Public speaking

PSCs are required to participate in the numerous details performed by their Unit, usually in the following areas:

• Traffic direction
• Security
• Communications
• Field trips (training, team building, etc.)
• Training seminars

PSC are governed by a manual of rules and regulations that mirrors BCoPD's.

• Uniforms are required—with part of the uniform supplied by the Unit and part purchased by the individual member.
• Promotion—To the various ranks within the program depends upon a member's service record with the Unit, leadership potential and completion of any designated testing procedures.
• Integrity—All PSCs must maintain the highest level of integrity while they are participating in the program's activities and in their personal lives. Those PSCs violating the guidelines set forth by the program will be handled accordingly.

Principles

The following core values and principals are the foundation of our program and are instilled in all program activities.

• Fair and Impartial Services—For all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or religion, and a respect for diversity and the rule of law.
• Role of First Responders in a Democratic Society—Training programs, practical experiences and activities that better prepare young adults for a public safety career
• Servant Leadership—Preparing the next generation of public safety professionals through development programs that emphasize this concept. Community engagement and support are critical to successfully achieving the mission of public safety organizations. Engaging young adults through agency sponsors to work collaboratively with citizens and community organizations will help strengthen relationships, build trust and resolve issues for the well-being of the community.
• Essential Character Traits—Integrity, fairness, impartiality, courtesy, respect and compassion are essential character traits. Public safety professionals and organizations must be committed to these traits, and to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, in all aspects of their operations and in providing the highest quality services to the communities they serve. 
• Accountability—Public safety professionals are accountable to the public they serve and are held to a higher standard of conduct than other members of the community. They must reflect the values and virtues of good citizenship in both their personal and professional lives as set forth in their professional code of conduct (i.e. the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics).

Each Unit holds regular meetings within their designated precinct. PSCs are expected to attend all meetings for their Unit, which are primarily held the first and third Thursdays of each month, unless otherwise stated. View your precinct's meeting schedule.

The Youth Leadership Academy was developed to provide young people ages 14 through 18 with an opportunity to learn about:

• Selected police units
• Leadership and decision-making skills
• Teamwork and communication
• The benefits of public service
• Fostering positive relationships with law enforcement officers
• The challenges and demands associated with the law enforcement profession
• The role of the individual in shaping his or her own future by making good choices
• Practical application that demonstrates the aspects of the police officer’s job
• Probable Cause and Arrest, Role Playing
• CSI, Forensics and Forensic Art
• Hazardous Devices Team
• Gun Violence and Youth
• Impact of Drug and Substance Abuse
• Impacts of Social Media
• Accident Investigation
• Traffic Stops and Enforcement
• Marine, Aviation, Tactical and K-9 (field trips to these locations)
• Team Building Course
• Physical Training
• Other programs: School Resource Officer, Explorer and Cadet Programs