Community Policing
The rising number of gangs, which mainly comprise the youths, is a cause for alarm not only in Providence or Rhode Island but also to the nation. With a majority of the youths being involved, then the future is at stake since they hold the future in their hands. However, the collaboration between the police and community members, commonly referred to as community policing, plays a huge role in addressing this issue. It is mainly based on partnership and cooperation to aid in solving problems in the community. In Providence, apart from the police’s and members’ collaboration to eradicate these gangs, several actions have been taken to prevent the youths from involving themselves with the gangs.
The School Resource Officer Program, which primarily deals with the youths and juveniles, is instrumental. The SRO’s, among other things, are responsible for reducing crimes related to juveniles and youths. They engage in activities such as talks, mentorships, and awareness programs aimed at educating the youths on their aw obligations and consequences of their violation. These help the youth to make more informed choices in their lives in matters of law. Furthermore, it fosters rapport between the police and youths, thus creating an open communication channel, whose eventuality is a better community. Through the implementation of more of the SRO programs, the gang problem in Providence can be done away within time.
Apart from the school setting that allows the SRO’s to interact with the youths, the community policing officers also participate in community events. Their frequent involvement in community-based events allows them to execute their duties and get to know the citizens better. For instance, the officers in Providence will know the factors predisposing the youths to gangs, such as lack of basic needs. An indirect way to curb the rates of gang entry will help provide these needs to the youths. Thus, community policing will offer affection, protection, and resources that the youths seek in the gangs. Additionally, the Community Relations Bureau’s implementation by the Providence Police in 2017 will help much in ensuring that community policing is successful in the area.