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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Garrett Wrobel, Sergeant, Community Oriented Policing, Aurora Police Department
DATE: January 9, 2025
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to sign and execute the Annual Memorandum of Understanding with Learning for Life, a District of Columbia non-profit corporation for the Aurora Police Department Youth Explorers Post #8847 program.
PURPOSE:
APD Youth Explorers Post #8847 consist of a group of teenagers and young adults aged 13-20 with a strong interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The group meets bi-monthly and are given lessons in various aspects of policing by Aurora Police Department ("APD") Officers. Explorers participate in real world scenarios, in a safe controlled environment to improve on their skills. The training is provided by APD Officers from various units of the police department. Learning for Life provides training and screening for the post's leaders. Learning for Life also provides resources for the post leaders. The program offers opportunities for community service and team building to the city's youth. In addition, the program promotes personal growth through activities that support character development, respect for the rule of law and physical fitness to name a few.
BACKGROUND:
APD Youth Explorers Post #8847 was establish in 2023 with the guidance of Learning for Life. Seeing the continued interest and success of the first group of Explorers, APD is requesting to continue the program.
DISCUSSION:
Explorers Post allow the City's youth to gain exposure to various criminal justice careers and to have a positive interaction with law enforcement professionals. The program also provides the youth with leadership opportunities, community service and networking activities. Funding for the program has been budgeted. In addition, Learning for Life provides primary general liability insurance to cover the participating organization, its officers and employees in their official capacities and individual capacities against personal liability judgements arising from official activities.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
APD's Community Oriented Policing unit officers are assigned to oversee the explorer post and would not impact any other city department. There is no budgetary impact to the city or department for this program.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be approved.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee (PHST)
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to sign and execute the Annual Memorandum of Understanding with Learning for Life, a District of Columbia non-profit corporation for the Aurora Police Department Youth Explorers Post #8847 program.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Learning for Life has provided resources and guidance to the Aurora Police Department to establish its Explorer Post program:
WHEREAS, the City has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens, especially its youth, to enter into a memorandum of understanding agreement with Learning for Life and continue to provide guidance and resources for those interested in the criminal justice system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Chief of Police is authorized to sign and execute the Memorandum of Understanding with Learning for Life, a District of Columbia non-profit corporation for the Aurora Police Department Youth Explorers Post #8847 program annually.