In recent weeks, Leon County has seen several cases of teen violence, and last month, several students brought weapons to area schools. Now, the Tallahassee Police Department is working to bridge the gap between officers and teens.
- TPD’s Youth Citizens Advisory Council (YCAC) is helping build trust between teens and law enforcement, offering students a voice in community policing and school safety efforts.
- YCAC is still accepting students and meets on the second Saturday of every month at the Tallahassee Police Department’s main office.
- Watch the video to find out how students say this program is benefiting them and their school.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
“It opens the door. When other kids see these kids come up and say ‘Hey Deputy Chief Holmes’ or ‘D.C Holmes,’ they think, ‘Oh, that’s a personal relationship.’ These kids come up to me and see me and talk to me just like I’m a human being, and that’s the whole purpose,” says TPD Deputy Chief Maurice Holmes.
Formed in 2020, the Youth Citizens Advisory Council was TPD’s response to growing concerns from local teens about police relationships and community safety. But in 2025, TPD YCAC Community Advisor Danette McBride says their mission has taken on new urgency…