Mentoring Youth: A Positive Interaction between Youth and Law Enforcement Officers

摘要

My name is Steve, and I am Danny's mentor through the YMCA Youth Links mentorship program. I have been a mentor for only a few months and a police officer for a year and a half. A few months ago, our district commander came into roll call and told us about the mentorship opportunities available in the community. He encouraged us to attend a YMCA information session. As a junior officer, I am often disheartened to see people not much younger than me deeply entrenched in negative subcultures and self-harming activities. Despite our efforts, many of the young people we come across at work are not receptive to outreach or advice from a uniformed officer. Therefore, I was excited to form a positive bond with a youth from my community outside of work. From our first meeting, I have been impressed by Danny's keen intellect and endless amounts of energy. We try to meet for a few hours a week and talk about life or go out and play a sport. The mentorship program also provides us with opportunities to participate in organized events or attend sports games and movies. Talking with Danny gives me a more complete perspective of the community, as well as a deeper positive connection within the community that I police. Based on my positive experiences, my beat partner has also voiced interest in participating in the mentorship program. I continue to encourage my coworkers to become involved in this initiative, as it augments our positive footprint in the community and deepens our personal connections within it.