New council builds trust between police and youth

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – High school students and law enforcement are working to meet halfway through conversations about transparency, trust and safety.

“I think it’s going to take my generation and law enforcement being willing to meet each other to be able to truly connect with each other,” said Jamiyah Fells of Helix Mentorship STEAM Academy.

The Baton Police Department’s newly formed Youth Advisory Council is made up of students from several area high schools who meet with police to discuss how to improve the community.

“I’m ready for us to have those tough conversations that even adults often avoid. I’m ready for us to share ideas. I look forward to hearing from these young people about their experiences and applying the solutions and ideas they share into practice and policy wherever possible,” said BRPD Chief TJ Morse.

Morse created the council to help address the growing number of young offenders and victims of violent crime in our area.

“It’s a different perspective, and we need all perspectives to be considered,” Morse said. “We need their perspective on how to trust the police, what to do to call us if you witness a crime.”

“There are too many kids that I went to school with, and they’re just dying because of gun violence, not trusting the police, and there’s a lot going on in our community and I think this program can help a lot,” said Eryn Brown of Istrouma Magnet High School.

So far, the council has held several meetings to begin thinking about what building that trust will look like.

“Winning here in the city feels like young people trust law enforcement, winning here in the city feels like all of Baton Rouge is safe. Winning here in the city feels like better opportunities are available to young people of all races,” said Darryl Powell Jr. of Scotlandville Magnet High School.

“I remember my one experience with law enforcement, just a few years ago, that caused me to no longer trust them. I’m here today, willing to give law enforcement a chance because they’re willing to give my generation a chance, too,” Fells said.

Student council members also relay these conversations to their peers at school.

“The town hall meeting we will be hosting will be about hearing honest feedback from students across the parish, providing information on how students and law enforcement can have a better relationship, and discussing better opportunities such as job placement, financial education and other life skills so we can come to a more unified city-parish,” Powell Jr. said.

“I feel like we can be that leader because we look like them and they can know that you don’t have to follow someone else who is doing something wrong, you can follow someone who looks like you,” said Keymon Washington of Arlington Preparatory Academy.

Officials say youth council members position themselves as leaders to be an example for their generation and those that come after them.

“This group of young people has already taken a very bold step in deciding to be the first, and I truly admire that. And together, we will work together to not only develop these young leaders alongside me and behind me, but to build a better Baton Rouge for all who will lead next,” said Sharon Douglas, BRPD Deputy Chief of Staff.

“So stay tuned, because we’re just getting started,” Powell Jr. said.

The board is holding its first public meeting tomorrow at Scotlandville High School to invite other students to share their voices.

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