The Role of Community Context in Police-Led Social Initiatives and Youth Programs

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

Abstract

Police–youth mentoring programs, such as Police Athletic Leagues (PALs), and the role of Police Social Workers (PSWs) have emerged as strategies to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and communities. PSWs help bridge the gap between policing and social services by handling crisis calls, domestic violence cases, and youth interventions, ultimately fostering trust and reducing unnecessary arrests. However, research on the effectiveness and challenges of these programs remains limited. This study analyzes Florida data from the Risk and Protective Trajectories, Community Context, and Juvenile Recidivism dataset (2015–2018) to examine how factors such as race and community context influence juvenile misconduct (e.g., school violations, offending, and recidivism). Using logistic regression, the findings suggest that environmental factors and social structures shape the administration of police-based social programs, particularly in Black communities. This research underscores the need to contextualize police-led social initiatives within different groups' unique historical and socio-economic realities, ensuring these programs effectively serve their intended communities.

Authors

• Olaniran Akintunde, Florida International University

• Tim Goddard, Florida International University