PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — For local youth who hope to one day be police officers, this program has them covered.

The Center City District, in partnership with Allied Universal Security Services, launched a program titled “Community Oriented Public Safety,” also known as “COPS.”

COPS provides 18-20 year olds an employment opportunity before they’re ready for the Police Department.

This involves participating in bike patrols around Dilworth Park.

“Trying to help them grow into a better person, but then also help their police career because they’re already ahead of the game,” said John Crichton, Senior Manager of Public Safety with the Center City District.

“We can give them real life experience talking to people, how to de-escalate situations. All the things that you learn in the police academy. You’ll get real life here,” he continued.

For more information, check out the video above.

Also, check out their website.

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