Austin Police launch APD youth program

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As a way to support youth who could enter into law enforcement, the Austin Police Department launched the APD Youth Program, the City of Austin said in a news release Friday.

This comes as a way to boost the "youth-led recruiting model" that can help staff the department as it continues seeing officer vacancies at an "all-time high," as well as experiencing a "decrease in the number of applicants," and more, the city said.

Youth who would like to apply need to be at least 16 years old and must be enrolled in the list of schools the city listed in the news release below:

• Travis Early College
• LBJ Early College
• Northeast Early College
• Eastside Early College
• Garza Independence
• Akins Early College
• Ann Richards School for Women Leaders
• Any AISD high school

Those who apply would get paid $21.63 an hour for up to 30 hours of participation, the city said. They will work with police officers, nonprofit groups, school officials and more, the release said.

For those interested in applying, they can do so on the city website or by emailing APDYouthProgram@austintexas.gov.