The Austin Police Department (APD) has launched the APD Youth Program, a community initiative aimed at enhancing future local hiring efforts. Through this program, APD staff will collaborate with over 60 Austin youth to develop a professional recruiting model with multiple tracks leading to employment with APD. The program also involves engaging adult community members to understand their needs and support for area youth potentially entering the law enforcement profession.
APD's focus on community engagement and trust aims to create a better understanding of an officer’s daily responsibilities and the community's perceptions and needs. This project addresses urgent public safety concerns related to staffing shortages, recruitment challenges, and workforce diversification. The department is currently facing high officer vacancies, decreased applicant numbers, unit reorganizations, mandatory patrol overtime, and increased response times.
Youth participants will be compensated $21.63 per hour for up to 30 hours of work. They will collaborate with police officers, non-profit groups, school officials, local consultants, and marketing specialists through focus groups. Adult participants will engage in separate sessions to provide input on policing services and support for youth interested in law enforcement careers.
Eligible youth must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in specific schools. Interested individuals can learn more or apply by visiting www.austintexas.gov/apdyouthprogram or emailing APDYouthProgram@austintexas.gov.
Adults interested in participating can visit www.austintexas.gov/adultyouthprogram or email APDYouthProgram@austintexas.gov for more information or to apply.