SSPDF YOUTH PROGRAM 2026 - 2027

For all Sandy Springs students to participate in programs organized by the Sandy Springs Police Foundation. The program includes the Sandy Springs Police, local civic leaders and rehabilitated mentors as the most effective lessons are practical, focused on safety, and based on real-world scenarios rather than being preachy. Below is a comprehensive list of the topics that the program provides. The intent is to get the young people early in life and be an influence to them.

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Core Safety & Life-Skills Lessons for Middle School and High School Students

1. Overdose & Poisoning Awareness (Beyond Fentanyl)

  • Alcohol poisoning: signs and when to call for help
  • Mixing substances (alcohol + pills = high risk)
  • Naloxone awareness and Good Samaritan protection
  • What to do if someone collapses or stops breathing

Why it matters: Teens are often first on scene.

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2. Mental Health & Crisis Response

  • How to recognize a mental health crisis in friends
  • What to do if someone talks about self-harm
  • When and how to ask for adult help
  • Local crisis resources (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Police angle: Officers respond to mental health calls daily—this is about early help, not punishment.

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3. Internet Safety & Digital Crimes

  • Sexting laws and long-term consequences
  • Online predators and grooming
  • Social media permanence
  • AI and deepfake risks
  • Identity theft and scams targeting teens

Key message: What feels private online often isn’t.

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4. Driving & Transportation Safety

  • Distracted driving (phones, passengers)
  • DUI / impaired driving (alcohol, marijuana)
  • E-bikes, scooters, and bike laws
  • Passenger responsibility (speaking up)

Real impact: This is one of the top causes of teen deaths.

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5. Substance Use Laws & Real Consequences

  • Marijuana laws (what’s legal vs illegal for minors)
  • Vape and nicotine risks
  • Fake IDs and consequences
  • School discipline vs criminal charges

Important: Stick to facts, not fear tactics.

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6. Personal Safety & Situational Awareness

  • Trusting instincts
  • Safe party behavior
  • What to do if you feel unsafe
  • How to help a friend leave a bad situation
  • Bystander intervention basics

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7. Conflict Resolution & De-Escalation

  • How arguments escalate
  • Reading warning signs
  • Walking away safely
  • What to do during a fight without getting hurt

Police perspective: Most violent incidents start small.

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8. Know Your Rights (Age-Appropriate)

  • When police can search
  • What to do during a traffic stop
  • Why staying calm matters
  • How to file a complaint properly

Tone matters: Informational, respectful, empowering.

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9. Firearm Safety 

  • What to do if you find a gun
  • Safe storage laws
  • Why “just looking” can be deadly
  • Accidental shootings prevention

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10. Building Positive Police Relationships

  • What officers actually do day-to-day
  • When to call police vs other resources
  • How students can help keep communities safe
  • Career paths in public safety

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Best Practices for Police-Led High School Programs

✔ Use real (anonymous) cases
✔ Encourage questions
✔ Avoid lectures—use scenarios
✔ Be honest about mistakes and realities
✔ Focus on safety, not punishment

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We’re not here to scare you or get you in trouble.
We’re here to help you make it home safe.

The program will be held at Heritage Sandy Springs, 610 Blue Stone Rd, Sandy Springs, 30328, lower level. The program will also meet at SS Police HQ at various times and at a few of the local businesses. The program is designed to start in September and run through the summer. The program will include some summer activities with the police and fire departments. The program will also include parents’ participation at certain times. This will be after school and some weekend programs.