Technology has grown so fast that most of us can’t keep up. Suddenly, it’s easier to text, tweet or “like” than talk, yet the absence of human contact and interpersonal relationships leave out a basic psychological need – the need to communicate face-to-face. Police are not immune to this reality and, in fact, law enforcement has had to adapt their methods of communication in order to help the communities they serve. But, that doesn’t mean that communication, as we once knew it, is no longer valuable or necessary. In fact, face-to-face interaction is more important than ever, especially when it comes to law enforcement and our communities.

Video: Strategies for Youth is recommended in this Congressional testimony by Chief Patrick Flannelly at a hearing before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce entitled: Providing Vulnerable Youth the Hope of a Brighter Future through Juvenile Justice Reform.

WSBT Fox 22 News Story: Police Officers Looking to Build Relationships with Kids.

WNDU NBC 16 News Story: Michiana Police Take a Look into the Mind of a Teenager.

When officer Tim Davis enters a school classroom, he connects with the students, bringing energy and enthusiasm to delivering important safety messages while building important relationships. “He’s just got that gift,” Richmond Police Department Chief Jim Branum said.

Does a police officer need a warrant to pat you down? How should you recognize your right to remain silent? What could happen if you buy something that was stolen from a friend?

To improve interactions between youth and law enforcement, training and development are key. This is the mission of Strategies for Youth, a national nonprofit policy and training organization that works in 15 Indiana counties, coming to Indianapolis in 2014.

Direct file is a practice by which a district attorney—not a judge—can decide if a minor as young as 14 will go to adult court. The practice is used differently across California’s 58 counties. But whether direct file will continue to be used in the state is up for a vote.

State officials, advocates and researchers are urging federal officials to tread carefully as they consider changes to how states demonstrate they are protecting juveniles in custody.

One organization’s approach focuses on the adults, not the kids.
Strategies for Youth has spent five years essentially going door to door to convince police officers they can dramatically lower the number of youth arrests, recidivism rates, and minor offenses that can lead young people to repeated encounters with the law.