Brunch Patrol Seeks to Build Positive Relationships Between Students, Police

• NCJ Number: 254370
• Author(s): Becky Lewis
• Date Published: November 2019
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-IJ-CX-K404
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Award: A proposal to operate the National Criminal Justice Technology Resource Center.

Annotation

This article describes a program in Normandy, Missouri that involves police sharing a free breakfast or lunch with students in high school cafeterias, which provides an opportunity for police to interact with students.

Abstract

DNA CollectionThe programs goal is to facilitate the building of positive relationships between students and local law enforcement officers. Support for this program has been strong among police officers, students, and school staff. Although it is too early in the program to begin measuring its objective effects, the positive feedback and continuing participation of officers and students indicates that meaningful friendships are being formed between officers and students. This should have an impact on how students view police officers outside of this school context, such that youth will view police officers as advocates for their safety and welfare and police will view youth less defensively and in need of supportive guidance.