NCJ Number
152084
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 61 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 92-93,95,97,99
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Florida's Metro-Dade Police Department recently initiated a project to address the communication gap between between police officers and young black males between 15 and 30 years of age in the Liberty City area of Dade County.
Abstract
A questionnaire was designed to assess the interests of young black males in various areas or topics that could serve as common ground for resolving conflict and enhancing communication. Interviews were conducted by black police officers in public parks, shopping centers, schools, a community college, community meeting facilities, street corners, and public and private housing complexes. Questionnaires collected biographic data, as well as information on role models, violent versus nonviolent tendencies, communication media, perceptions of police, and willingness to cooperate. Armed with the survey information, a program of action was developed to improve communication between police officers and young black males. A nonconfrontational meeting ground was established in which youth and police officers could freely communicate. The decision was made by the Metro-Dade Police Department to sponsor a rock concert which drew a crowd of more than 5,000. The number of inner-city, young black males attending the concert was significant, even though they knew the concert was sponsored by the police. By promoting the concert, the police department conveyed a sense of understanding and empowerment to the youths and perhaps alleviated some of their alienation.