Youth interns who joined SFPD programs urge more outreach; commission hears success stories
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Summary
Young participants and program staff described summer internships that connected youth to SFPD units and affordable-housing partners, led to several hires and recommendations for broader outreach, including flyers and targeted local media to reach peers who do not follow social media.
Young people who took part in the San Francisco Police Department’s Community Safety Initiative described field trips, hands-on exposure to units such as the bomb squad and marine unit, and paid internships that helped some secure jobs or further training.
Cheryl Davis, a program lead, said the initiative connected interns to police units, developers and affordable-housing partners; she noted that at least three participants from public housing sites secured longer-term positions after the summer program. "This is just opening the doors," Davis said, thanking the Commission for providing space and access.
Interns described highlight experiences. Amber Esaiya listed programs they visited—PAL cadet, wilderness trips and cadet curriculum sessions—while Morgan Tucker said the program changed her outlook on policing, leading her to pursue a cadet role and consider a policing career. Several interns asked the Commission for improved outreach so peers hear about paid opportunities.
Commissioners and the chief discussed outreach channels. The department said it pushes content on social media and is redesigning its website, but commissioners and interns suggested supplemental methods—flyers, local distribution and more retro outreach—to reach young people who don’t see the social-media posts.
The Commission said it will accept the youth recommendations and asked staff to forward interns’ reports and videos for public posting where appropriate.
