Talking it Through: Teen-Police Relations

Talking it Through: Improving police-youth relations

I have been rather harsh with the NYPD on stop and frisk. Now this new video (featuring, incidentally, retired police officers and not those currently employed) gets to the core of what I have been talking about with regard to “unconditional respect.” One of the characteristics of good (great?) police officers is that they LISTEN.

These are factors that are prominent in my new book.

So, take a moment to watch “Talking it Through,” a new video about police-youth relations created by the Center for Court Innovation Youth Justice Board, an after-school program that seeks to bring the voices of young people into public policy making in New York City.

The Youth Justice Board identified improving trust among teens and police as a crucial component to enhancing public safety in Brownsville and other high-crime New York City neighborhoods. And, of course, trust is strongly correlated with respect.

The teenage participants in the program made “Talking it Through” to help stimulate thoughtful conversation about this important topic.

This is a great model of youth/police engagement worthy of replication. If you are interested in learning more about the Youth Justice Board, contact Greg Berman, Director of the Center for Court Innovation

To see the seven minute video and to learn more about Children’s Mental Health Network click here.