Members of the Evanston Police Problem Solving Team launched a “The Law and Your Community” law literacy program at Family Focus in Evanston this week.
The program, developed by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, is designed to engage and educate the community about constructive ways to build trust and improve relationships between police officers and community members.
With the support of Family Focus Director Colette Allen, officers worked with five girls and nine boys ranging from 6th to 8th grade to discuss various topics including how laws are made and why laws are in place.
The youth are part of an after-school program that is hosted by Family Focus. Police Cmdr. Joseph Dugan says the ongoing program allows the officers and youths to build positive relationships with each other, while providing an educational component. The group will meet weekly basis through January.
Anyone interested in hosting the program in Evanston can contact Officer Enjoli Daley at edaley@cityofevanston.org. For more information about “The Law and Your Community” program, contact NOBLE’s director of community relations, Carla Kupe-Arion, at communityrelations@noblechicago.org.