VBPD Summer Camp Programs Aim to Build Trust and Respect Between Police and Youth

School may not be in session yet, but the summer is still a great time for kids to learn. 

From July 15 through Aug. 2, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) hosted two separate summer camps for youths in our community to not only learn about law enforcement but also to prepare for a potential career in policing. 

Over these three weeks, VBPD’s Youth Services Unit worked with 57 kids, ages 10-16, to give them an unforgettable summer experience that makes an everlasting positive impact in their lives. 

“We saw the summertime as an ideal window for us to build engaging programs for kids in our community,” said Lt. Kevin Lokey, who oversees VBPD’s Youth Services Unit. 

Connecting with Our Youth 

In an effort to further VBPD’s goal of fostering positive relationships with young people across Virginia Beach, the Youth Services Unit developed and offered Camp Connect for the first time this summer, giving youth the opportunity to interact and engage with law enforcement in safe and fun environments. 

Camp Connect participants learned key skills such as firearm safety and conflict resolution, while also taking fishing and swimming field trips. 

“This program gave our department a unique opportunity,” Lokey said. “We were able to provide exciting and engaging activities that help young people feel more comfortable around law enforcement. We want our campers to interact with our officers in these kinds of positive situations.” 

Recruiting the Next Generation of Police Officers 

VBPD’s Camp Blue Line took a different approach, focusing on fostering the interests of young people in pursuing a career in law enforcement. 

Across two weeks of activities, field trips, demonstrations and more, VBPD officers engaged with campers who’ve expressed interest in a career in law enforcement and public safety. Camp attendees learned about forensics, criminal investigations, firearm safety and more. Officers exposed campers to various scenarios and taught them about special police operations. 

“It’s important to connect with those kids who are interested in law enforcement,” Lokey said. “We need to engage with them early on and help develop their interests in our profession. Programs like this are essential for the future of law enforcement in Virginia Beach.” 

Starting the Journey 

VBPD’s Youth Services Unit manages multiple programs for young people to harness and grow their interest in a career in law enforcement. The Public Safety Cadet Program is a volunteer initiative open to youth and young adults ages 14-21 interested in learning about various aspects of law enforcement and policing. Youth Services also offers internships to college students who are interested in getting into law enforcement upon graduation. 

Recruits can’t enroll in the Basic Recruit Academy until they are 20 years old. Rather than make new high school graduates wait that long before joining VBPD, the Patrol Aide Program offers part-time employment for young adults ages 18-21 to keep them engaged with the department. Patrol Aides are permitted to complete observer shifts with patrol officers, assist with traffic control, represent VBPD at community events, and provide operational and administrative support. Additionally, Patrol Aides receive regular training on various topics to better prepare them for the recruit academy. 

“The Patrol Aide Program serves as an excellent bridge for young people who want to join VBPD, but aren’t quite old enough,” Lokey said. “As this program grows, our focus will continue to be presenting these future recruits the opportunity to network with our officers and prepare themselves for the Basic Recruit Academy.” 

To learn more about the Youth Services Unit and programs available for the Virginia Beach community, visit the VBPD website.