Disproportionate |
Side By Side: Police and Youth program | ||||
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Side by Side: Police and Youth Program is a proven successful model for improving police/youth relations. An evaluation of the program using pre- and post- tests of both police and youth participants found:
Watch this brief video on Side by Side: Police and Youth Program. Police and Youth ProgramPolice officers involved in this type of project will have the opportunity to interact with youth in non-authoritarian roles and develop relationships with youth that they may not normally have had the opportunity to develop. Interactions will occur in a fun and safe venue and will provide officers with a chance to increase their understanding of youth behavior, try out ways of relating to youth, develop stronger communication skills, receive social support, observe diverse perspectives, and develop new approaches to resolving differences. The typical Police and Youth project will have an “adventure-based” team-building component, a series of fun activities that are enjoyable for both police and youth, a community service project; and a concluding recognition event. Projects generally need a $3,000 to $10,000 budget that funds police overtime, contractual services and supplies. Goals: Increase the number of police officers who are experienced and comfortable interacting with youth. Improve youth attitudes towards police. Objective: Increase opportunities for positive police/youth interactions. Required Components:
For an 8-page document on four 4 key elements found in the most successful projects, see Keys for a Successful Police and Youth Program. For the full evaluation report, click here. To access the Police and Youth Program Request for Applications, click here. |