The Youth and Community Services Bureau was established by Chief Tim Neal to help deal with the many police/youth needs within the community. It is staffed by a Sergeant, two D.A.R.E. officers, two School Resource Officers and two Crime Prevention Officers. It oversees the department's Police Explorer Post, a program for high school students interested in law enforcement. The Bureau handles investigations of crimes committed by and against minors in the school setting. The sergeant also serves as the Department Liaison to the City of Pleasanton Youth Commission.

One vital element of the bureau is the Juvenile Diversion Program for first time offenders. When a minor is arrested, the case is reviewed to determine if he/she is eligible for Diversion (i.e. the crime is not a violent felony, the minor is a local resident and has no prior arrests). If so, then the minor and their parents are brought before the Diversion board, which is comprised of a juvenile detective, a family counselor and as warranted, a juvenile probation officer. The board works with the family to determine the best course of action for the minor to "get back on track". The minor agrees to a six-month contract. During that time they must obey all laws, write an essay regarding the incident, perform community service and, if applicable, write a letter of apology and pay restitution. In addition, the minor will be referred to drug and alcohol counseling or other resources if the situation warrants. If the minor successfully completes the contract, the matter is closed and it is "diverted" from being sent to the juvenile probation department.

The Parent Project®: The Pleasanton Police Department, in partnership with Pleasanton Unified School District Adult Education, is proud to present The Parent Project®. The Parent Project® is an interactive class that teaches parents skills to work with their strong-willed adolescents. The class teaches effective strategies proven to change destructive adolescent behavior. The class answers difficult questions, teaches solutions and provides practical and emotional support for parents living with defiant children. 

For more information please contact Officers Penelope Tamm or Michael Steiner at (925) 931-5100.  For information on upcoming classes contact Pleasanton Unified School District Adult Education at (925) 426-4280.  You can also read more about The Parent Project® at www.parentproject.com.

Sgt. Mike Tryphonas is the Youth and Community Services Bureau supervisor. He can be reached by calling the Investigations Division phone number at (925) 931-5134 or by clicking on his name above.