September 5, 2012 - The Houston Police Department is looking for several outstanding high school youth to take part in the department's Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC).

The students, 9th through 12th graders at Houston area schools, will take part in the yearlong program that emphasizes leadership, respect, education, community service and an exposure to life outside the inner city.

The high school students will serve on an advisory council to HPD Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr and other top HPD officials that will address such issues as bullying, peer pressure, dating violence, gangs, drugs, as well as career goals and higher education.  YPAC members are required to meet five times during the school year at HPD Headquarters, 1200 Travis.

The goal of the YPAC program, begun more than a decade ago, is to develop leadership skills among high school students.  It stresses the need for participants to serve as leaders among their peers, act as liaisons between students and the City of Houston, and to take what they’ve learned and share it with their fellow students.

Students interested in participating in this year’s program should submit their applications, available at www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/images/ypac-app.pdf, by October 1.  For more information about YPAC, visit www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/ypac.htm  or contact Rhonda Holmes, YPAC Director, at 713-308-3200.



VHS/JFC/PBT  9-5-12