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Sacramento police outline summer camps, cadet and teen-driving programs in youth engagement update
Summary
Sacramento Police Department staff presented to the County Police Review Commission an overview of youth engagement programs, including Cops and Kids camp (June 15–19; $32 per child), Start Smart teen driving classes and high-school criminal justice magnet and cadet programs. Commissioners asked about budget and registration outreach.
The Sacramento Police Department on May 9 told the County Police Review Commission it is expanding and sustaining several youth engagement efforts designed to build community ties and support career pathways into public safety.
Captain Buchanan summarized the department’s largest programs, saying, “This year’s camp will run June 15 through June 19 at Rosemont High School. It remains highly affordable at $32 per child and registration is open until June 10.” He described the long-running Cops and Kids summer camp, which serves 8–12 and 12–14 age groups and pairs young people with law enforcement, fire personnel, educators and volunteers for sports and violence-prevention activities.
Buchanan also described Start Smart, a free teen driving safety program run by the traffic unit with three classes scheduled in June, and the criminal justice magnet academies operating in five area high schools. He said magnet students maintain academic and attendance standards, complete community service and have access to scholarships through the Sacramento Police Foundation. “Many go on to work in public safety roles within the Sacramento Police Department,” he said.
The department outlined its cadet program for ages 14–20 — staffed by officers and sergeants, meeting biweekly for leadership and skills training — and said it supports college-age pathways such as the LECS (law enforcement candidate scholars) program at Sacramento State.
Commissioners raised concerns about whether cadet or magnet positions would be cut amid budget pressures. Captain Buchanan said those magnet officers were not on the current cut list and described an earlier, partial-cut proposal that would have reduced but not eliminated programming. Commissioners requested that SPD share registration links and event materials so commissioners can help publicize programs at neighborhood associations and through council offices.
The commission did not take formal action on the presentation; commissioners said they expected future staff reports with program statistics and scheduled topical briefings (internal affairs, budgeting, community policing) in coming months.
