St. Petersburg Chief of Police, Anthony Holloway on "Lunchtime Conversations" June 2024

RadioStPeteINSIDER news director Nanette Wiser spoke with the distinguished and gracious St. Petersburg Chief of Police, Anthony Holloway about police mentoring and local youth programs funded and supported by the City and his department. He told us that youth programs are more than fun and games, they are a way to support positive behaviors, give young people the opportunity to pursue their passions (sports, but also arts, and STEM) that might not be available to them, and foster positive relationships between the police and young people of all ages. This is not just a summer mission, it’s a year-round commitment. https://police.stpete.org/

YOUTH PROGRAMS - BACKGROUND SPPD has received the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant three times and has funded programs to provide positive activities for youth with a foundation of education by removing economic barriers for participation while diverting them from potential criminal activity. Their projects involve collaboration and serve youth in a proactive rather than a reactive manner, while reinforcing positive ongoing relationships among youth, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Creating community-based positive opportunities for youth reduces juvenile crime and victimization while enhancing community safety, and quality-of-life issues.  Our prior project was featured in the “Spotlight” of the COPS Office publication for funded partners and received national recognition. SPPD’s prior projects have included educational stipends for graduating high school seniors who were selected by their principals for their excellent character, hard-working nature (extracurricular activities and outside employment) and need for a little extra support due to various challenges.  These students enjoyed a day of engagement with SPPD (forensics, training, K-9s) and then got to meet the Chief.  The grant also supported partnerships with six grassroot anti-violence organizations and religious organizations focusing on youth. In the following year, the project included support for twenty non-profit youth sports leagues and additional assistance to defray field costs in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department.  Additional youth sports events were held in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays to increase access and participation in softball geared for at-risk girls.  The grant also supported a summer and school-term tutoring project for youth participating in the St. Petersburg Police Athletic League.

2023-2024 In the current grant (ending 9/30/24) , SPPD was funded the full $175,000 to increase exposure to the arts, while providing educational mentorship.  We are partnering with The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation to assist transitioning middle school students to excel in high school and provide clarity about career paths with an innovative curriculum.  To ensure youth have a variety  of opportunities to participate, we are supporting (1) art education fields trips through the Bill Edwards Foundation, (2) educational materials for after-school programs for Title 1 children at Great Explorations, (3) scholarships for students to attend art camp at the Morean Arts Center, and (4) staff support to increase youth participation in performance arts and liaison support with the schools through Arts Conservatory for Teens.  We will also provide funding to the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, Inc for youth related education. Chief Holloway told us they are in the process of applying for a fourth year of funding with a project focused on STEM and workforce readiness for St. Petersburg youth.

BUT THERE’S MORE In addition, through their partnership with Gulf Coast JFCS and the CALL program – nonviolent and noncriminal youth related calls are diverted to trained social workers and a specialized Youth Engagement Specialist who responds and follows up with families to link with services. SPPD also regularly receives funding from organizations like AAA to support bike safety rodeos and safety equipment giveaways (helmets, locks, lights). #stpetersburgpolice #cityofstpetersburg #anthonyholloway #chiefanthonyhollaway #youthprograms #fundingyouthprograms #gooddeeds #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #splja2024