OKCPD Youth Engagement Council hosts first 26-27 session Sept. 24
Published on September 08, 2026
Registration now open for all OKC high school students
The Oklahoma City Police Department kicks off its Youth Engagement Council (YEC) for the 2026-27 school year with its first session on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at U.S. Grant High School. Students in grades 9 through 12 who attend school within Oklahoma City limits are eligible to attend.
The YEC gives Oklahoma City youth direct access to OKCPD command and officers to discuss experiences or challenges they encounter within their neighborhoods, schools and larger communities. These discussions are intended to help to foster understanding and trust between community youth and law enforcement.
Last year, the YEC saw record attendance for all six sessions, with an average of 34 students per session. Students discussed topics ranging from what to do during a routine traffic stop, how and when to report a student who brings a weapon to school or why officers make the decisions they do when responding to calls.
“I’m continually impressed with the quality of conversations we’re able to have with the young people who attend these sessions,” Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy said. “Our conversations go beyond just identifying the issue. They focus on discussions about solutions that can affect meaningful changes within the communities we all live in.”
The YEC will have three fall sessions and three spring sessions during the 2026-27 school year. Meetings are held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with dinner provided. In addition to the Sept. 24 session, fall sessions will take place on Oct. 29 at Frederick Douglass High School and on Nov. 12 at John Marshall High School. With topics varying among sessions, students are encouraged to attend all six sessions.
Students can register online using this registration form. Registration is not required but is strongly encouraged.
The Youth Engagement Council is part of the OKC Public Safety Partnership’s 39 recommendations delivered in a report to City Council in March 2022.
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