Understanding the critical importance of forging healthy relationships between law enforcement agencies and youth communities, I have partnered with the National Network for Safe Communities, our District Attorney, and advocates and have begun a Youth and Police Program called Building Bridges. This program has been designed to develop targeted initiatives that foster trust and community engagement and address the root causes of gun violence. Through our collaborative efforts, we have completed our first class of a program series that engages selected youths to use their creativity and participate in guided scenarios and workshops to help strive towards safer communities. Combining professional and energized Deputy Sheriffs with youth who have been directly impacted by crime and violence, we create positive relationships while also joining in impactful collaboration to mitigate gun violence.
As we progress through these courses, we gain empirical knowledge of the dynamics between our youth and law enforcement. Our Deputies share their real-world experiences with the participants in various scenarios to provide them with an understanding of their point of view as they respond to incidents. These role reversal scenarios aid in gaining an understanding of the response of not only the police but also the response of the public during the various incident types. We understand the challenges that may divide us while building trust and positively preparing the youth with tools and resources to aid them in making positive changes within their communities.
The program finishes with a presentation by the youth, displaying their ideas and creative ways they have come up with to assist law enforcement in making a more positive impact on gun violence and crime within our communities. I am committed to working with our communities to make our communities safer, and this program will do just that.
