NCJ Number
146010
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 17 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1993) Pages: 76-77,90
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Metro-Dade (Florida) police department sponsored a series of concerts in the summer of 1993 called "Jammin' with the Man" in an effort to bridge the gap between minority youth and police officers.
Abstract
The shows were staged in parks to create a positive, nonconfrontational environment where officers and juveniles could get to know each other and foster a sense of mutual respect. The department used $50,000 in forfeiture money to pay for the disc jockey, food, and prizes. The concerts were organized after the department surveyed black male youths concerning the factors influencing their behavior, and found that it was music rather than community leaders. Local radio stations promoted the concerts; 5,000 people attended the first one. Officers found that the controlled environment allowed the kids to open up to them, and even to inquire about police careers. Officers have reported a more positive attitude among youths in the nearby public housing projects toward the police and toward obeying the law.