Denver’s police watchdog praised a program that brings together officers and troubled youth to air their differences, saying it is helping bridge a gap by increasing communication and understanding.
In a report released twice yearly, Independent Monitor Nick Mitchell focused on Denver’s Youth Outreach Program, which was started in 2014 with a grant from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. The program, which is spearheaded by the monitor’s office, has exceeded expectations, the report said.
As of August, 312 young people and 35 Denver Police Department officers have participated in 10 programs. Also, 115 Denver police officers have been trained on adolescent brain behavior, and another 11 officers are certified to train fellow officers within the department, the report said.
The monitor’s office, which oversees the program, said the goal was to proactively address a trend of eroding trust in law enforcement.
In 2017, the monitor plans to bring 500 more students into the program, the report said.
Next year, the state Juvenile Justice Delinquency Council will begin an evaluation of the program in an effort to measure its success and refine the curriculum.
Mitchell releases two reports each year to provide an overview of police and sheriff department internal investigations and discipline. The report also offers a review of officers who have received awards for their actions.
The independent monitor’s office was created in 2004 to provide civilian oversight of Denver’s law enforcement agencies. Denver voters this year are being asked on to vote on whether the office should be .
