Police-Youth Mentoring: Challenges and Opportunities

• In Event: Police Youth Mentoring, Athletic Leagues and Social Workers, and the Community Context of Police-Community Initiatives

Abstract

The division and distrust between law enforcement and young, marginalized populations are an increasing concern throughout the nation. This study examines a national police-youth mentoring program with the potential to foster positive relationships between police and communities. In-depth interviews with participants of the program highlight assumptions about the problems and solutions related to police-juvenile relations in the United States. Furthermore, this study reveals the limitations of a community-based program in addressing structural and systemic inequities within society.

Author

• Mark Magidson, University of Houston-Downtown