The Columbus Division of Police says it's trying to inspire trust and mutual respect by taking the time to talk and listen to teens.
The ABC's of Policing is taking officers inside Columbus schools to help young people get inside the mind of a Columbus police officer and take part in shoot-or-don't-shoot scenarios.
A student at Northland High School says teens aren't immune from the growing culture of mistrust between law enforcement and citizens. "We don't like them. We really don't," laughed the teen. "(When) we see a cop, we're like, ‘they're going to shoot me for no reason.’"
Northland Student Shaylin Waugh participated in a training exercise that pitted teens against a fictitious armed robber. Waugh was the only teen who managed to shoot first and save himself. "It happens [quickly.] It's a quick reaction; either you shoot or you get shot."
Officers say the ABC's of Policing is an opportunity for Columbus police and teenagers to begin building a bridge.
"The goal is to get them to see things through our eyes for just a quick moment," explains Columbus Police Officer Frederick Brophy.
Police hope the program will ultimately avoid a conflict or save a life.
Meantime, Waugh says it definitely gave him something to think about and opened his eyes.
Planned ABCs of Policing Presentations:
- 5/15/15 – 9:00 am – Centennial High School
- 5/18/15 – 12:30 pm – Northland High School
- 5/19/15 – 7:30am – Walnut Ridge High School
- 5/20/15 – 8:00 am – Whetstone High School
- 5/21/15 – TBD – Downtown High School
- 5/22/15 – 8:00am – Eastmoor Academy