Police/Youth Relations: Effective Strategies to Bridge the Gap

Civilian oversight agencies and boards have a responsibility to conduct community outreach activities and participate in efforts to resolve conflict, encourage open communication, and build trust between law enforcement agencies and the many diverse constituencies within their community. Flashpoints and conflict can be diverted or prevented when the police are encouraged to actively engage with disaffected populations, including youth. During this session, panelists will describe their efforts to open and maintain an on-going dialogue between the police and the youth of their communities.

Panelists:
Karen Barbee: Member, Boise Youth/Police Relations Committee, Boise, Idaho

Kim Bogucki: Detective, Seattle Police Department, Seattle, Washington

Matt McCarter: Coordinator, Youth Services, Department of Parks and Recreation, Boise, Idaho

Moderator:
Pierce Murphy, Community Ombudsman, Boise, Idaho