Daytona Beach police present youth‑focused programs, propose roundtables to Youth Advisory Board

Captain Richard Gentry of the Daytona Beach Police Department told the Youth Advisory Board on March 26 that law enforcement wants to partner with young people to prevent violence and strengthen community ties.

"Our role, our responsibility is to ensure your success. You are our future," Gentry said, and he described outreach steps including police briefings that could host youth guest speakers, a proposed roundtable of rank‑varied officers and an offer to provide Police Explorer applications for interested students (Post 22).

Gentry discussed youth violence and prevention strategies. He cited a national figure from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "According to the CDC, there were 45222 firearm related deaths in The United States," and he urged removing opportunity for violence and promoting reporting options that can be anonymous. He described a local medical indicator: Halifax Hospital recorded 64 gunshot wound patients and 51 stab wound patients in 2024, numbers he said validate the reality of youth violence locally.

Two sergeants who run the Police Explorer program addressed the board: Sergeant Brandon Williams described the program as "a really good program" that teaches leadership and discipline; Sergeant Jessa Smith said the program "teaches you a lot and discipline a lot with responsibility" and emphasized cooperation and legal training. Gentry said the department can arrange for youth to attend briefings (morning, 4 p.m., or 6 p.m.) or to serve as guest speakers in patrol briefings or specialized unit roll calls and offered to circulate materials through command staff.

Gentry proposed a roundtable format that would include a junior officer, a field training or experienced officer and a supervisor so youth can ask "why" about police actions and build rapport. He emphasized accountability: body‑worn cameras and departmental review processes are in place and officers who violate policy may face dismissal or prosecution. Gentry also referenced a Miami‑originated "Do the Right Thing" recognition program and said he would seek chief approval to introduce similar programs.

The department did not request formal board action at the meeting but offered to supply applications, flyers and materials for youth outreach and to coordinate scheduling for briefings and roundtable events. Gentry said he would forward materials to board staff and asked the board to consider collaborating on community roundtables or events.