Teen 2 Teen

Teen 2 Teen is a youth based program that was founded in partnership with John W. North High School’s Law and Protective Services Academy (LAPS).  The LAPS Academy Seniors are provided public speaking training and equipped with the tools needed to inform their peers about traffic safety issues.  The students involved with the program interact with police department personnel, gain an increased ability to speak in public, learn leadership skills, and explore different areas of traffic safety. In addition, all Teen 2 Teen students make presentations to students at their school and/or other schools throughout the school year.

Opportunity with Education

Opportunity with Education (OWE) is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and community-based organizations. The 15 week program is designed to positively redirect male and female “at-risk” youth between the ages of 10-17. Choices and consequences are stressed throughout the program. The OWE program is designed to build self-esteem and encourage the participant toward success. Classes are Saturdays at Riverside Community College, Riverside Campus. The parent’s participation in the program is mandatory. The sessions for the participants encompass: Physical training and drills, life skills, educational tours, and community service.

Riverside Youth Court

Riverside Youth Court is an innovative approach to juvenile justice and acts as an early intervention for first-time offenders of misdemeanor crimes. It is designed to give youth between the ages of 10 and 17, who have broken the law and admitted their guilt, a second chance. Those who are eligible for the program will have the case heard in a real courtroom with youth serving as prosecuting and defense attorneys, court clerks, bailiffs and jurors. An actual judge will preside, but the youth jury will determine the sentence. The Riverside Youth Court is also designed to educate youth about the juvenile justice system. Through direct participation, youth court addresses the juvenile’s responsibility for his or her behavior and holds the juveniles accountable to their community and peers. Involvement in youth court, either as a respondent or as a volunteer, increases their respect for the judicial process.  Community service hours are given for all training and jury sessions.

EL PROTECTOR

The El Protector program is designed to educate the Spanish speaking community within the city of Riverside through the dedicated efforts of Officers and representatives from the Riverside Police Department.  The focus of the program is to improve community relations, provide educational programs, safeguard the community, and better serve the public.

The program goes beyond the traditional Police Officer role, taking a proactive approach in our endeavor to overcome the barriers of language and culture.  We recognize the need to educate ourselves as well as the public in order to achieve an improved understanding.  The El Protector program serves to further our efforts in improving the safety and service of the Hispanic community.  Program areas include:

• Education – We would like to educate the community in relation to traffic laws, the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, Domestic Violence and other subjects of importance.
• Information - During our community presentations, we distribute informative brochures like Neighborhood Watch, how to protect your family, and how to avoid unnecessary risks.
• Benefits – Educational programs where the community can obtain a variety of information that is available by telephone.  The most important benefit to the community is the ability to communicate directly with Spanish speaking officers and representatives.

Riverside Police Department Explorer Post 714

The Riverside Police Department Police Explorer Program’s purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature, and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.  Explorers are taught how to be independent and work as a team.  In addition, they are taught the importance of personal responsibility and caring in their relationships with others and in their commitment to the community.

Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations, such as the Riverside Police Department, initiate a specific Explorer Post to offer the wealth and knowledge of their best employees to be role models, trainers, and mentors to young people in the community.  The Explorer Program affords an opportunity for youngsters to participate in a variety of meaningful and fulfilling activities that help them pursue their special interests, growth, and development.  Explorer programs are based on five area of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.

The Riverside Police Explorer Program has approximately fifty (50) members ranging in age of 14 to 20 years old. This membership number far exceeds the average membership for police departments of similar size.

The success of the Riverside Police Department’s Explorer Program is dependent on the Officers that manage it.  Our success starts with the commitment and vision Chief Sergio G. Diaz has advocated and in correlation with the many police officer advisors dedicated to the daily duties associated with the program.