Venice Police launch student ambassador program; council approves 7-0

The Venice City Council voted 7-0 to approve a Student Ambassador program presented by Police Chief Sage Belair. The program pairs six to eight nominated students from Venice High School with department leaders in monthly roundtables to share student concerns and collaborate on safety campaigns, outreach and digital safety messaging.

Chief Belair described the initiative as a partnership to strengthen trust, improve safety and give youth a direct channel to law enforcement. Ambassadors will meet monthly with the chief, deputy chief and departmental staff and will work with the public information officer on social media and digital safety campaigns. The program also contemplates quarterly listening sessions co-hosted by ambassadors and department staff.

Council members asked about eligibility, transportation and background checks. Chief Belair said nominations could come through the school office or online, the school would not provide transportation because meetings are intended to convene on campus, and that background checks would be conducted ("not super in-depth," per the presentation) to ensure a mix of students. Council received no budget estimate at the time of presentation.

Councilmember Kate Sweeney moved to approve the program; the motion was seconded and carried by electronic vote 7-0.