Star Program | Department of Public Safety

AZ DPS STAR Program

From Code to Crime Scenes: Experience STEM Like Never Before

The S.T.A.R. Program from the Arizona Department of Public Safety gives high school students (ages 16–18) a chance to explore cool careers in public safety. You’ll get hands-on with real tools, tech, and training used by officers, detectives, and more. From coding and drones to mock crime scenes and SWAT demos, you’ll see how STEM is used every day to keep communities safe. It’s your chance to learn, explore, and maybe even find your future career.

The S.T.A.R. Program is an educational initiative designed for high school students ages 16–18 to explore a variety of career paths within the Arizona Department of Public Safety. By integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with real-world public safety experiences, the program offers students a unique opportunity to learn through hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations.

Participants observe and engage with a wide range of operations, including traffic stops, aviation, SWAT, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations, motorcycle troopers, metro booking, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology, hazmat, and 911 dispatch. Students also participate in hands-on exercises such as fingerprinting, a coding workshop, collision reconstruction, and mock crime scene investigations.

The S.T.A.R. Program aims to educate and inspire youth, cultivate interest in STEM and public safety careers, and support workforce development by preparing the next generation of public safety professionals.

Mission Statement

To empower youth by providing valuable hands-on experience and educational opportunities for personal and professional growth within the realm of public safety.