Youth perspectives and experiences of school, attendance, and the support they need to learn were key themes in a police-youth workshop, but the underlying dynamic of youth/police relations in the community was the focus of this model program. A joint presentation with the Oakland Unified School District’s Truancy Program, the Oakland Police Training Department, and The City Manager’s Office, five weekly sessions, each 2 1/2 hours in length, were facilitated by Unique Holland, Code 33’s youth recruiter, and Greg Hodge, Executive Director of Oakland Child Health and Safety Initiative.

Eighteen youth and thirteen officers took part in the series, which was televised by Bay TV. A Public Radio 10 minute report was featured nationally. The goal of the workshop was to prepare officers for their part in the effort to reduce truancy and increase school attendance and to strengthen their ability to communicate effectively with young people. Youth were identified by the Truancy Program and the Community Probation Program, and were paid for their participation. The group was provided with a reader that contained information about youth in Oakland and the role of adult allies for youth. Click here for outline of reader.