New Orleans Police Dept. Supt. Michael Harrison.

NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison announced Monday that the department will form a Youth Advisory Council to build and strengthen the department’s relationship with local youth.

The Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council is designed to foster dialogue and create a stronger relationship between the city’s youth and the NOPD.

 “We want to ensure that the voice of our youth is heard,” Harrison said. “These people are not only our future leaders, but they also play a huge role in our society. Having a group of young people whose mission will be to communicate concerns of their generation to those currently leading the way not only helps us to better lead now, but also to help them begin their journey into leadership.”

Members of the YAC will work with peers to identify issues, and with the superintendent to help open dialogue and craft solutions together. They will meet with the Superintendent periodically, discussing issues related to the city’s youth; highlighting interactions between youth and police.

YAC members will also have the opportunity to meet outside of their regular meetings with the Superintendent to work on projects, discuss with peers, and learn more about how the NOPD works. At the close of the school year, the YAC members will present their work publicly at an open celebration event.

The Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council is open to all rising seniors attending public schools in Orleans Parish. Interested youth are encouraged to apply by May 19 via a Google Form application, which can be viewed here.