The Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) is reaching out to local high school students with an opportunity to have their voices heard through its Youth Engagement Council (YEC) for the 2025-26 academic year, Oklahoma City Police Department Chief Ron Bacy emphasized the program's intent to build trust and understanding by saying, "The purpose for the council is to give area youth an opportunity to make their voices heard by interacting with us through dialogue in a non-threatening, open environment," as stated by the City of Oklahoma City.
The Youth Engagement Council is for high school students in grades 9–12 who attend schools within Oklahoma City. It creates a space for open conversations between students and police officers, giving students the chance to share the challenges they face in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Fall meetings will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with dinner provided for all participants. The meetings are scheduled for September 16 at Capitol Hill High School, October 21 at Northwest Classen High School, and November 18 at John Marshall High School, as detailed by the City of Oklahoma City.
While students don’t have to attend all six YEC sessions (three in the fall and three in the spring), they’re encouraged to come regularly to keep the conversation going. The YEC supports Public Safety Partnership Recommendations 23 and 25, which were part of a set of 39 suggestions shared with the City Council in March 2022. These recommendations aim to improve community engagement and public safety by working together. Overall, the YEC helps give youth a voice in shaping policies and building better relationships with law enforcement, as per the City ofthe City of Oklahoma City.
