Community Policing

Youth Safety and Policing

Community Policing

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship and history between law enforcement and the youths of society. One major focus of this paper is to explain the importance of this seemingly complex liaison and show how community policing is helping to strengthen this relationship. During the early years of law enforcement, this relationship was almost completely none existent and so this paper starts off describing the beginnings of youth and police relations. This paper then continues on with describing law enforcements role in protecting youths from child abuse, bullying, gangs, drugs, and discouraging them from engaging in criminal acts. Though difficult, research has shown that this relationship is not only beneficial to both law enforcement and youth but is a necessity in the fight against crime.

Keywords: youth, community policing, police relations, juvenile delinquency

Youth Safety and Policing

All throughout the world we see examples of senseless violence committed by and against youths, and the question is always asked as to why this happens. Even right here in the United States, we are plagued with incidents of violence committed by juveniles and are dumbfound when we compare each instances similarities. This paper will serve as a guide to show and explain law enforcements role and importance in the lives of youth. Only through a combined effort entailing mutual trust, respect and confidence can police create a healthy relationship with the youths of society and help prevent crime. We will start off by taking a look at the history of police and juvenile relations in the United States.

In the early periods of this country’s history, the most effective method of controlling juveniles was through socialization. Through socialization, youths were taught the rules of society from the time they were born until the rules became internalized. In the event that a juvenile violated a law, the family,...