NCJ Number
85183
Date Published
1982
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the purpose, development, implementation, and experience of the Saint John Youth Project (YP) (St. John, New Brunswick), which emphasizes police cooperation with the community in dealing with juvenile crime and social problems.
Abstract
The YP employs four youth officers who work in close association with the home, the school, and the church. The officers do not conduct investigative work. Programs are organized around the goals of prevention, community participation, and cooperation with other youth-serving agencies. Programs include (1) the school liaison program, which is designed to establish rapport between youth and the police and the juvenile justice system; (2) a diversion program, which provides alternatives to traditional juvenile justice procedures; and (3) the community support program, which organizes volunteers, youth, and families as support groups for youth having problems. The YP, in its demonstration phase (2 1/2 years) erred in not defining precise structures before programs were in place. Selection criteria for the youth officers as well as training needs should have been determined before the project was underway. Further, the rotation procedures of the police department have caused disruption in program activities. Although the Youth Division requires at least one female officer in its organization, this requirement has not been met because of seniority regulations. There is also a need for more vehicles and officers to serve such a large geographical area. A distinctive aspect of the project is the use of a civilian coordinator in a police-sponsored project. Enthusiasm for the project is high, and it has made significant progress toward achieving its goals. A description of the diversion process is appended.