June 7, 2017

Join SCPD in Congratulating The 10th Graduating P.R.I.D.E. Class

Last week, SCPD celebrated 31 youths who took on new challenges and adventures this school year in our P.R.I.D.E. course. Personal Responsible Individual Development in Ethics (PRIDE) is a program to support middle school-aged kids. It is designed to help young teens understand the impact of their life choices. Our approach is to engage, mentor and educate students on how to make healthy choices.
“The PRIDE Program gives us the opportunity to build lasting relationships with students, which can positively change the way they interact with law enforcement for a lifetime”. - SCPD Deputy Chief Rick Martinez
SCPD is working in conjunction with Santa Cruz City Schools and the County Office of Education. Our program is a multi-faceted approach to early prevention and intervention for local youth in our community.
The program was developed to guide teens in self-awareness and the decision-making process. Through a variety of field trips, presentations, and activities, teens realize both the positive and negative impacts of decision making.
 


For example, during the course on bad decision making, participants heard from former gang members, drug users, and gang investigators. They toured San Quentin prison, SCPD and even a local morgue.
The second part of the program focuses on positive decision making. Speakers highlight successes as a result of avoiding gangs and drugs. The speakers included successful athletes, business people, police officers, elected officials, educators, and others. Field trips to UC Santa Cruz and Google, bowling, horseback riding and a day trip to San Francisco are among the highlights for kids.
At the completion of the course, the teens participate in a graduation with officers, family, and friends.
If you'd like to learn more about SCPD's youth programs or become a mentor, visit www.santacruzpolice.com or contact Community Services at (831) 420-5952 or email:lgomez@cityofsantacruz.com