The Youth Development Section encompasses School Resource Officers, D.A.R.E. Officers, G.R.E.A.T. Officers and Police Explorers. This section consists of a Sergeant and nine Youth Development Officers, who are responsible for providing specialized police services and school education programs in public and private schools. 

Youth Development Officers perform many functions in and out of the school system, which help students and faculty develop a positive image of the police officer and the services he/she provides. They educate youth in the schools regarding the functions and operations of law enforcement agencies in order to improve their understanding of, and attitudes toward, law enforcement. Specially trained officers also provide students instruction in the D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. programs.

The officers strive to develop a rapport with the students to help reduce delinquency and truancy, and also provide youth programs on health and safety information. They encourage youth involvement in crime prevention to help prevent crime in and around the schools.

To learn more about the D.A.R.E. or G.R.E.A.T. Programs, click on the images below: