Community Affairs

The Ride-Along Program offers community leaders and residents a firsthand look at the daily responsibilities of a police officer. During the ride-along, officers explain how calls are dispatched and how they resolve various incidents in the field. Participants walk away with a deeper understanding, greater clarity, and enhanced awareness of law enforcement duties—ultimately building trust and strengthening police-community relations.

Click here to download an application for the ride-along program.

The Citizens Police Academy is a robust 6-week community training program that provides members of the community with a deeper understanding of NYPD policies and activities, as well as the structure and limits of police power. The program replicates and condenses the NYPD recruit training regimen, allowing New Yorkers to gain a deeper understanding of the skills and abilities that police officers bring to their work in the community..

CPA sessions include:

• Interdisciplinary workshops led by Police Academy instructors
• Discussions with representatives of specialized units
• Role-playing events and tactical exercises

How to Apply

The NYPD hosts two yearly sessions of the Citizens Police Academy on a rolling basis. Contact your local NYPD Precinct Community Affairs Officer or Housing Bureau Police Service Area Community Affairs Officer for further information.

For additional information about the program, email: CitizensPoliceAcademy@nypd.org

The Gun Buyback Program is a collaborative anti-gun violence initiative partnering the New York City Police Department, local district attorneys and the faith-based community. Gun buyback events are designed to offer community members the opportunity to anonymously surrender firearms for a financial incentive with no questions asked.

Individuals surrendering operable handguns or assault rifles are eligible to receive a $500 gift card per firearm.

Individuals surrendering operable ghost guns or 3D printed guns are eligible to receive a $200 gift card per firearm.

Individuals surrendering operable rifles or shotguns are eligible to receive a $75 gift card per firearm.

Individuals surrendering air guns, imitation guns or non-operable firearms are eligible to receive a $25 gift card per firearm.

For additional information about the program, email: Cabwheel@nypd.org

The Summer Youth Employment Program is a paid Summer Internship for New York City youth, hosted in collaboration with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. This program hosts New York City youth aged from 14-24 during the months of July and August every Summer. Under this program, youths get to be mentored by Officers and Civilian staff at various NYPD locations such as One Police Plaza, local precincts and specialized units.

For more information regarding the program and to apply, please visit the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development SYEP information page: about-syep

For additional information about the program, email: Cabwheel@nypd.org

The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau is committed to inclusive engagement with individuals of all abilities, ensuring equitable access to services, communication and public safety resources.

Our Disability Outreach efforts focus on building trust and strengthening relationships with all communities. We work closely with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and the Department of Education’s District 75 to support students, families and individuals with specialized needs across New York City.

We actively engage with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through American Sign Language (ASL)-supported programming, direct communication with trained officers and partnerships with schools, advocacy groups and service providers. These efforts promote clear communication, reduce misunderstandings, and enhance safety during police interactions.

Through ongoing training, outreach events, and community partnerships, the NYPD strives to sustain policing and community relations.

Reference for proper Terminology:

Inclusive Terminology Guide - MOPD

Clergy Outreach is led by NYPD officers who engage with faith-based leaders and communities from a wide range of religious backgrounds and denominations across New York City. Through ongoing collaboration, outreach efforts, and open communication, officers work to build trust, address community concerns, and strengthen relationships between the police and faith communities. By partnering with clergy, the program supports public safety, promotes understanding, and connects individuals to resources and services that enhance the well-being of diverse communities.

As part of Clergy Outreach, the Clergy Liaison Program provides an opportunity for civilians to take an active role in strengthening these relationships.

Clergy Liaison Program

The Clergy Liaison Program allows members of the community to serve as a bridge between their faith communities and the NYPD. Clergy liaisons work closely with officers to identify concerns, foster communication, and participate in meetings, events, and outreach initiatives. Individuals selected for the program are nominated by precinct, transit, or public service area commands and are expected to take part in various NYPD and community activities. Those interested are encouraged to complete the Citizens Police Academy prior to applying and may contact their local NYPD Community Affairs officer for more information.

How to Apply

Contact your local NYPD precinct Community Affairs officer, police service area, or transit district for more information, or call (646) 610-5323.

The LGBTQIA+ Outreach Unit is a specialized Community Affairs unit dedicated to building and strengthening relationships between the NYPD and LGBTQIA+ communities across New York City. 

The unit assists individuals affected by bias-related incidents and works to promote trust, communication, and public safety for people of all ages.

Officers work closely with police precincts, Police Service Areas, Transit Districts, and community partner organizations to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and support safer communities.

Click here for more information about the Community Affairs LGBTQIA+ Outreach Unit or call (646) 610-4651.

The mission of the Immigrant Outreach Unit is to engage, inform, and support immigrant communities throughout New York City.

The unit works collaboratively within the Police Department and with other city agencies and community organizations to increase awareness of available resources and services.

Members of the unit are diverse and fluent in multiple languages, helping the NYPD better communicate with and understand the needs and cultures of the communities they serve.

For more information about the Immigrant Outreach Unit, call (718) 312-5085.

Located at 127 Pennsylvania Avenue, Brooklyn, the community center offers a wide variety of programs like: Boxing, Drone, Soccer, Culinary and Dance. Youth mentoring sessions for all ages.

To register or for a complete list of programs & times contact: yhstrat@nypd.org or Call 718-312-5079

Becoming a Law Enforcement Explorer

Law Enforcement Exploring introduces diverse young adults (ages 14–20) to careers in criminal justice. Through training, community service, and special events, the program instills self-discipline, respect, and the importance of higher education. Ultimately, Exploring builds vital bridges between local youth and the police who serve them.

Youth Leadership: The Explorers elect their own officers and are promoted within a rank structure. They also plan and execute most of their activities, learning teamwork and leadership skills. 

Positive Adult Role Models: The positive interaction of Explorers and law enforcement officers helps young adults see officers as fellow human beings and allows greater opportunities to build positive relationships with the New York City Police Department that impact the city's diverse communities.

Five Exploring Experience Areas: Appreciation and commitment to the following areas are crucial to the development of all young people’s lives: Life Skills, Service Learning, Character Education, Leadership Experience, and Career. 

For additional information, please call the Community Affairs Bureau's Youth Strategies Division at (718) 312-4471.

The NYPD Summer Youth Police Academy is one of several innovative and effective programs the Department provides for young people in New York City. The program gives individuals between the ages of 10 and 15 the opportunity to train with police officers during the summer, fostering positive relationships between the Police Department and the city’s youth.

Participants attend the Youth Police Academy in the borough of their residence, five days a week for six weeks. Police officers conduct classes that include lectures, role-plays, and demonstrations in areas such as law, behavioral science, drug prevention, and gang resistance. The program also provides participants with lunch, uniform shirts, and field trips.

Students take part in military-style drills like those conducted at the Police Academy and participate in field trips to police facilities. Transportation is provided for field trips, although the sites are also accessible by public transportation.

The Summer Youth Academy:

• Enhances responsible citizenship
• Provides positive interaction with police officers and educates young people about the challenges and responsibilities of police work
• Encourages young people to take part in other youth programs offered by the Police Department, such as the Law Enforcement Explorers, Police Cadet Corps, and the Police Athletic League

For additional information, please email the Community Affairs Bureau’s Youth Strategies Division at yhstrat@nypd.org or Call 718-312-5079

The OPTIONS Program, established by the New York City Police Foundation and the NYPD, provides middle and high school-aged youth with opportunities for personal and career development through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences.

The program focuses on building decision-making skills, emotional intelligence, and real-world readiness through interactive training, including virtual reality scenarios, career exploration, and skill-building workshops.

Participants are also connected with professionals and community resources, helping them develop confidence, strengthen relationships, and explore future career paths in a supportive environment.

To learn more, please visit the program website.

https://www.nycpolicefoundation.org/ourwork/strengthen/options/

The Police Athletic League (PAL) provides middle and high school-aged youth with opportunities for personal growth through sports, educational programs, and community-based activities.

The program focuses on building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills in a safe and supportive environment. Through recreational and enrichment programs, participants are encouraged to stay active, develop positive habits, and make informed decisions.

Participants are also connected with police officers and mentors, helping to strengthen relationships, build trust, and support their overall development. To learn more, please visit the program website.

https://palnyc.org/

Operation Safe Child is a collaborative partnership run by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Identification cards are issued to participating families that include a high-resolution photo of their child, along with information on gender, date of birth, height and weight, and hair and eye color. Parents may also choose to include digital fingerprints of the child.

The Blue Chips Mentoring Program is a year-round, citywide initiative that provides youth ages 12 to 17 with opportunities for personal growth through sports, mentorship, and positive engagement with police officers.

The program focuses on building confidence, trust, and life skills by connecting participants with officers who serve as coaches and mentors. Through structured activities such as basketball leagues and team-based programs, youth are encouraged to stay active, develop discipline, and make positive decisions.

Participants benefit from consistent mentorship and a supportive environment that helps strengthen relationships, build community trust, and promote overall development.

Interested youth can contact their local NYPD precinct or email bluechips@nypd.org to participate.