There is a growing disconnect between citizens and law enforcement officers in many cities across the United States. In no one group is this disconnect more pronounced than among our youth; research shows that, in some minority communities, entire generations of young people have grown up not trusting the police. This lack of trust means that youth are often scared of and unwilling to cooperate with police, causing many police contacts, however minor, to escalate into confrontations or arrests due to misunderstandings and fear between young people and police officers.
The Bridging the Gap Program seeks to proactively improve relationships between youth and law enforcement in Denver by educating youth on their rights and responsibilities when in contact with law enforcement, and educating officers on key aspects of adolescent development and de-escalation techniques when contacting youth.
For more information, visit: /bridging-the-gap-program.html
To sign up, contact JessicaClark@urbandebate.org!
The Bridging the Gap Program seeks to proactively improve relationships between youth and law enforcement in Denver by educating youth on their rights and responsibilities when in contact with law enforcement, and educating officers on key aspects of adolescent development and de-escalation techniques when contacting youth.
For more information, visit: /bridging-the-gap-program.html
To sign up, contact JessicaClark@urbandebate.org!