Hire Houston Youth

• The City of Houston Summer Jobs program reflects the City’s commitment to Mayor Turner’s Hire Houston Youth (HHY) initiative. Since 2016, HPD has collaborated with HHY to hire youth to work in various assignments within the many divisions in HPD. Each year, HHY partners with the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to offer eight-week paid summer jobs and internships for youth and young adults, ages 16 - 24.

Gang Prevention Outreach Program (G.P.O.P)

• G.P.O.P. provides gang prevention and intervention programs for middle school students and presenting gang education and awareness to communities in the City of Houston. The goal is to prevent youth crime, violence and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship between youth, their families and law enforcement.

Greater Houston Police Activities League (GHPAL)

• GHPAL’s mission is “to reduce juvenile crime and violence through “Relational Policing” which includes building trusting relationships between youth, law enforcement and the community.” GHPAL members are between the ages of 8 and 18. The program includes mentorship (one-to one or groups), athletic, enrichment, civic/service, recreational and educational opportunities throughout the City of Houston. GHPAL also works with a number of community partners and school districts to achieve its mission.

Explorers

• The Explorers Program focuses on educational training for youth on the purposes, mission and objectives of law enforcement. Youth between the ages of 14 and 20 are able to participate. Participants will experience career orientation, leadership, and community service opportunities that challenge them to become good citizens of our city and country.

Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC)

• Established in 1997, the goal is to provide youth a forum to discuss events affecting their lives and community by having conversations with leaders from HPD and within the City of Houston. This level of interactions promotes trust and understanding between HPD and the youth.

Teen & Police Academy Service (TAPS)

• TAPS connects at risk youth and law enforcement officers in order to exchange ideas and learn from each other. This program combines the most valuable tenets of other successful programs such as the Citizens Police Academy, Explorers, and other community-based initiatives to promote positive relationships between law enforcement and youth who are the most negatively impacted by violent crime.