Teen Talk Promotes Conversations Between Miami-Dade Youth and Law Enforcement
Local 10 covered how Teen Talk brings together youth and Miami and Miami-Dade police to learn about one another and improve a relationship that is often strained.
In the sessions, young people learn police terminology, have candid conversations with officers, hear about the work officers do, and take part in scenario-based role play. Participants range in age from 13 to 21.
"All we are trying to do is open up that communication, break down the barriers and just for a little bit, look through each other's lens and get an understanding of one another."Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales
Chief Morales noted the program has the most impact in the areas of the city where violent crime concentrates, and Miami-Dade Police Director George Perez said reaching young people early gives them the chance to see law enforcement as a resource. Officers gain something as well, hearing directly about experiences residents have had with police and responding to them honestly.
Founder Ruban Roberts described why the program exists: if the only thing a young person sees of policing is arrests and confrontation, that becomes their whole understanding of it. Sessions also take participants to restaurants, activity venues, and tours of police departments, changing the setting in which those conversations happen.