Bridging the gap between police and local communities

Summary

A former Washington DC police officer founded the nonprofit Code 3 to bridge the gap between law enforcement and youth. The organization aims to repair relationships by bringing together elementary school children and police officers, fostering mutual understanding and mentorship. Through community events like food distribution and holiday celebrations, Code 3 provides relief and positive exposure, showing kids that police are allies, not adversaries, and that everyone has potential for a bright future.

Takeaways

• 👮‍♂️ A former police officer is working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and young people in Washington, D.C. through a nonprofit organization.
• 🤝 The nonprofit, called Code 3, focuses on improving relationships between the police and the community, especially following events like those in Ferguson.
• 👦 The organization's idea is to connect elementary school kids with police officers, allowing both groups to learn and grow together.
• 👨‍🏫 Police officers act as mentors, helping to change the perspectives of both the kids and the officers about each other.
• 🍽️ Code 3 organizes community events, such as food distributions and holiday celebrations, in under-resourced neighborhoods, with the help of police officers.
• 💡 These events provide relief and resources to communities, often in situations where local law enforcement lacks funding for such activities.
• 👶 The program has impacted how kids view law enforcement and the opportunities available to them, fostering positive relationships.
• 💪 The presence of a supportive authority figure who believes in the youth can greatly influence their behavior and future outlook.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The nonprofit teaches that every child is 'reachable' and has the potential for growth with the right mentorship and guidance.
• 🤗 Building trust between kids and police officers sends a message that officers are there to help, creating a stronger community bond.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the nonprofit mentioned in the transcript?

The main goal of the nonprofit, Code 3, is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and young people by fostering positive relationships and reducing crime in under-resourced communities.

Who started the nonprofit Code 3, and what inspired its creation?

A former police officer who served in Washington DC from 1987 to 2013 started Code 3. The events surrounding Ferguson inspired him to create a platform for improving relationships between police officers and the community.

What approach does Code 3 take to improve relationships between youth and police officers?

Code 3 brings together elementary school kids and police officers in under-resourced communities to interact, learn together, and form mentoring relationships, fostering trust and understanding between them.

How does Code 3 support communities beyond building relationships with police?

Code 3 organizes food distributions and holiday events (such as Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving) in under-resourced neighborhoods, providing relief and experiences that the local police department may not have the resources to offer.

What change in law enforcement has been observed over the past 10 years according to the transcript?

The transcript notes a positive change in law enforcement over the last 10 years, with officers becoming more involved in community-building efforts and offering different perspectives to youth.

How does the involvement of police officers as mentors impact the kids in these programs?

When police officers act as mentors, it helps shape the children’s perspective on law enforcement, showing them opportunities and providing a positive role model who shares a mission to guide them in a positive direction.

What message does the interaction between police officers and children send, according to the transcript?

The interaction sends a message that police officers are trustworthy, helpful, and here to assist, not harm, and that they are real people with a shared mission to support the community.

What type of events does Code 3 organize, and what is their purpose?

Code 3 organizes events like food distributions and holiday celebrations in under-resourced communities. These events aim to provide relief and build stronger relationships between the police and the community.

How does Code 3’s work influence the kids' outlook on their future?

By interacting with police officers and being part of the Code 3 programs, kids gain a sense of hope, seeing more positive opportunities in society and in their own futures.

What does the transcript suggest about the potential of the children involved in Code 3?

The transcript suggests that the children involved in Code 3 are full of life and potential, and they just need guidance, love, and a mentor to help steer them toward a positive future.