NCJ Number
164050
Journal
Gazette Volume: 58 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1996) Pages: 6-8
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A pilot project brought 140 youths from across Canada to a week-long meeting in March 1996 to develop closer relationships with the police and increase understanding of youth concerns; the project was created as an alternative to establishing a traditional advisory committee to provide input on youth issues.
Abstract
The project was developed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in cooperation with Encounters with Canada. The participants were divided into six groups, which identified issues, recommended solutions, and presented their findings to the common group. Recommendations included greater police visibility in the community and involvement with youth through participation in school, sport, and cultural activities. Youth also strongly believe that a positive youth-police relationships is needed to replace the current lack of mutual respect. In addition, the public and police should avoid labeling youth as the source of all problems. Moreover, school liaison programs should be enhanced. Other recommendations included more youth involvement in social and sports activities, victim input into the punishment of the offender, alternatives such as mediation, and greater community encouragement of youth involvement. Photographs