Youth Outreach Unit

The Know Your Rights curriculum is designed to educate Arlington youth about Virginia laws and help them develop skills needed to make sound decisions, to avoid breaking laws and to become active members within their community. Participants in Know Your Rights can expect to engage in guided conversations on a range of topics including, but not limited to, Drugs, Opioids, Alcohol, Dating Violence and Criminal and Civil Law Basics. Topics are presented by officers and are open to youth and their guardians. Additionally, the curriculum is available for presentation to groups who are new to Virginia and anyone wanting to learn more about Virginia laws and the justice system. For more information and resources, visit Virginia RULES.

Members of the Youth Outreach Unit regularly attend school lunch periods, after school programs with the Department of Parks and Recreation and non profit community members, serve as sports coaches, and participate in rock climbing events with Reaching New Heights. Through these activities, they develop meaningful and lasting relationships with Arlington youth, while also serving as role models, mentors, and trusted figures.

Formerly known as 'Summer Safety Patrol Camp', the Kids Community Police Academy is a five-day summer camp for rising Arlington County 5^th grade students looking to expand their self-defense skills and knowledge of the Arlington County Police Department. Complete with live demonstrations, hands-on activities and field trips, this camp is a can't-miss opportunity for summer 2026!

The Teen Police Academy is a five-day academy for rising 10th – 12th graders who live in or attend school in Arlington County who want to explore a career in law enforcement. Through classroom presentations, hands-on learning, scenario training, and field trips, the Teen Police Academy will educate participants about a career in law enforcement, while also giving them a better understanding of how the police department operates and its role in the community. Participants can ask questions of presenters and share their insights throughout the program.  

The Arlington First Responder Co-Ed Summer Basketball Camp is open to rising 6th–8th grade athletes and offers participants the opportunity to develop their basketball skills while building meaningful connections with local first responders who serve as coaches and mentors. Campers receive expert instruction from former high school and college coaches and players, take part in daily skill-development drills, and compete in 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 tournaments, as well as individual competitions such as relays and free throw contests. The camp also features special keynote speakers who focus on leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that are essential both on the basketball court and in the work of first responders.