TEENS MEET WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BRIDGE COMMUNICATION GAP

Representatives of the Chicago and Markham Police Departments, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, and Alderman Robert Fioretti’s staff met with teenagers to open a dialog on issues such as stereotyping. Youth talked about attitudes of police toward them when contact is made, especially when young people are minding their own business and socializing in their neighborhoods.
One police officer at the meeting told of being harassed by police when he was a teenager. But, he challenged the youth, “Don’t be angry at the police. Become a police officer and change it.” He added, “Programs like this should be mandatory throughout the nation.”
For information on Chicago Area Project programs and how to become involved, call Kathleen Mosley at 312/588-3816 or at YAR@chicagoareaproject.org.