NCJ Number
177764
Date Published
May 1998
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the involvement of public school students in community service programs and the future impact of such involvement on law enforcement mentoring programs.
Abstract
Law enforcement officials realize that reaching young people and encouraging them to lead productive adult lives must start at the earliest ages of adolescence. Recognizing the strong volunteer movement in the United States, law enforcement must also develop effective crime prevention programs that involve juveniles. The GREAT (Gang Resistance, Education, and Training) mentoring program has been implemented by many law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. The focus of this program is on the use of experienced, trained, and certified police officers in public schools to provide classroom instruction. The goal of the program is to instill necessary life skills, a sense of competency and usefulness, and personal empowerment to help young people avoid violence and criminal activity. Some public school systems require students to engage in service learning or community service activities as a prerequisite for high school graduation. The author concludes combining law enforcement volunteerism, mentoring, and community service graduation requirements has great potential with young people. 5 endnotes