In Summer 2024, the Gilbert Police Department created a new position of Youth Community Engagement Officer within the Public Affairs Office. 

Officer Emily King, a graduate of the Gilbert Police Regional Academy, was selected as the department's first Youth Community Engagement Officer. Officer King's main role will be in helping develop strong relationships and engagement opportunities with Gilbert's youth. 

As part of her responsibilities, Officer King will be working to research youth engagement best practices, conduct regular reviews of youth-related Calls for Service and trends, and work with GPD patrol officers and counselors on youth-related issues.

Additionally, the Community Youth Engagement Officer is tasked with leading Gilbert PD's youth-oriented programs, including Aspire, Cadets, Gilbert Youth Leadership Academy (GYLA), and in organizing monthly community engagement events.

Contact: gpdcommunity@gilbertaz.gov

The Gilbert Police Department's School Resource Officer (SRO) Program is made up of 12 officers assigned to five junior highs and seven high schools in Gilbert, including Gilbert Public Schools, the Higley Unified School District, and Chandler Unified School District.

All three school districts in Gilbert have online or tip lines available for students to report safety concerns anonymously. Any student or parent with concerns about safety at school are asked to contact Gilbert PD or their designated school tip line.

• Gilbert Public Schools
  • Online Tip Line
• Higley Unified School District
  • Call or text 480-573-8808 | Email speakup@gse.cusd80.com
• Chandler Unified School District
  • Call 480-279-SAFE (7233) | Email safe.hotline@husd.org 

Contact the Gilbert Police Department: 480-503-6500, 9-1-1 in emergencies or report tips anonymously. 

Ensuring our children's safety in a constantly evolving social media landscape requires a proactive effort on open communication between youth, parents, schools, and police.

The Gilbert Police Department has partnered with valley agencies and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for the Report, Don't Repost campaign urging teens and parents to report incidents of violence immediately to police instead of recording and sharing on social media.  

Education: Did you know that social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram chats have disappearing message features once a message has been read by another user? It is critical for parents and guardians to know what platforms their children use, how they function, and the latest social media trends

Monitor: While balancing privacy, parents are encouraged to monitor for concerning behaviors such as cyberbullying, threats, or harassment. There are many options for parental controls that can ensure children are protected from harmful content.

Privacy: Explain to your child the importance of privacy and the dangers of sharing personal information such as addresses, location, and phone numbers on social media. 

Report: Talk to your child and encourage them to report any suspicious or concerning behavior (threats, harassment, bullying) as soon as possible to a trusted adult.

Contact Gilbert Police: 480-503-6500 or 9-1-1 in emergencies.

Click for the Arizona Attorney General's Office online teen safety guide. 

• Suicide and Crisis Hotline
  • We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. 
• Gilbert Community Resource Guide
• Gilbert Public Schools
• Chandler Unified School District
• Higley Unified School District
• Gilbert Police Department
  • 480-503-6500 or 9-1-1 in emergencies

The Aspire Academy is a hands-on four-day overnight camp for girls ages 14 to 18 to participate in a variety of activities which build leadership, self-confidence, and respect through teamwork. The Aspire Academy is hosted by Gilbert Police and Gilbert Fire & Rescue which runs in partnership with other public safety departments from across the valley.

Registration opportunities will be shared on the Gilbert Police Department social media channels.

Applications for the next Aspire Academy hosted in Gilbert open January 8, 2025.

The mission of the Gilbert Fire & Rescue Cadet Program is to develop a group of highly-qualified fire recruit candidates through on-going mentorship, hands-on training, exposure to fire service culture, physical fitness, interview prep, and networking with like-minded peers. 

Gilbert's Parks and Recreation Department offers community members of all ages the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities throughout the year, including sports such as tennis, lacrosse, and basketball as well as cooking classes, babysitting classes, arts and crafts, swim lessons, and more.

Register today!

The Gilbert Police Department's Cadet Program provides an exciting opportunity for young people ages 14-20 who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Interested in joining? Email gilbertpdcadets@gilbertaz.gov

Every summer, the Gilbert Police Department School Resource Officers hold two, four-day sessions for high school age students in Gilbert known as the Gilbert Youth Leadership Academy.

As part of GYLA, students participate in classes taught by the SROs which include public speaking, active listening, college and career preparation, social media awareness, conflict resolution, suicide prevention, and online safety.

Students interested in attending a future GYLA session are asked to reach out to their SRO.

The Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) is a leadership opportunity for Gilbert high school students ages 14-18 to learn about local government while connecting with Gilbert's community. Participants are required to volunteer and provide feedback on various topics impacting residents.

Gilbert offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for our youth such as Gilbert's Kidz Kamp, Service Learning Opportunities at the Freestone Rec Center, or with many of our local community partners.