Building Bridges Between Law Enforcement and Youth in Niagara County

In a unique initiative to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and children, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with local authorities and sponsors, launched the Building Bridges Program for the summer of 2021. This program brings together approximately 40 children between the ages of eight and twelve from the City of Niagara Falls with law enforcement officers in social settings, promoting a sense of community and familiarity. The children will participate in a range of activities, including visiting the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, going ice skating with a Division I hockey team, and visiting the Aquarium of Niagara.

Key Takeaways:

• The Building Bridges Program aims to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and children, shifting their perception from viewing officers as authoritative figures to seeing them as neighbors.
• The program involves approximately 40 children between the ages of eight and twelve from the City of Niagara Falls and law enforcement officers in social activities.
• The program includes visits to various local attractions, such as the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, ice skating with a Division I hockey team, and visits to the Aquarium of Niagara.
• Partnerships with local authorities, including the City of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls Police Department, are a crucial part of the program's success.
• The program has reported positive results, with past participants indicating a shift from being weary of police to having a positive view of law enforcement.
• The initiative relies on collaborations with local organizations, such as the Packard Court Community Center and the Niagara Falls Housing Authority.

Statistics:

• Approximately 40 children between the ages of eight and twelve will participate in the Building Bridges Program.
• The program will take place over multiple days in July and August.
• The program includes visits to various local attractions, including the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, ice skating with a Division I hockey team, and visiting the Aquarium of Niagara.
• Past participants have reported a shift from viewing law enforcement as authoritative figures to seeing them as neighbors.
• The program has been successful in fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and children.

Sources:

• Niagara County Sheriff's Office
• Legislator Owen Steed
• Niagara Falls Police Chief John Faso
• Niagara Falls Housing Authority
• Packard Court Community Center