Police officers, at-risk-youth and community safety project: A case study of the southside of Belize city

Abstract

This study sought to answer the following questions: (1) What themes emerge out of the interactions between police officers and at-risk-youths? (2) What larger ramifications emerge from the study (if any)? The study found that at-risk-youth tend to fear and distrust the police but that fear fades away, confidence and trust in police officers is built, depending on the way police officers treat the youth in each situation. At-risk-youth saw the police in positive light when police officers played the role of the helper in the situation rather than the role of security agents. The study also found that since police officers have more power in their interaction with at-risk-communities, they influence and largely determine the realization of peaceful and inclusive communities. The study recommends investing in projects that bring together police officers and at-risk-communities to work for peaceful and inclusive societies. Building stronger relations between police officers and at-risk-communities requires intentional long-term policy commitment that provides opportunities for police work, especially community policing to be integrated into community development work.