Based on their interests, students are paired with prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, probation officers, law enforcement officers, criminal investigators, and judges to get a first-hand look at the criminal justice process and the different roles within the system. Because we sought to have an ethnically diverse group of students, we sent invitations to all of our community based organizations. Our first Shadow Day, we had over 70 high school students from many different schools throughout the county. Our second Shadow Day was even more successful with over 100 participants. Students were both ethnically and economically diverse. In addition, during the 2015-16 school year, high school students were invited to participate in our yearlong Youth Academy. Students learned about the criminal justice system as well as engaged in intervention and prevention programs regarding gangs and risks involving the use of social media in 1 ½ hour classes held every other week. We had such a strong response to our initial invitation that we formed two academies, located in two different areas of the county. A total of 120 students participated this past year from 46 different high schools. Our ethnically diverse presenters were from the court, probation, public office, defender’s and the police and sheriff departments. Topics ranged from an overview of the criminal justice system, use of force, in car cameras, criminal investigations, forensic science, gangs, abuse of marijuana, and distracted driving. The goals of the program were for students to see firsthand the criminal justice system, have open dialog about issues that affect youth today, and encourage students to consider a career in the justice system. At the graduation ceremony, we asked the students to tell us what they got out of the program. Several remarked that their views of law enforcement changed from negative to positive and most indicated they were considering a career in many of the fields they were exposed to. (8) For complaints reported in Table 4, if there were any with a finding of for each merit, category of complaints (i.e. race, gender, age, etc.) please provide a description of the measures taken to prevent recurrences. Please do not provide specifics regarding the case(s), individual(s) involved, or corrective/disciplinary action taken. Not applicable.
Based on their interests, students are paired with prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, probation officers, law enforcement officers, criminal investigators, and judges to get a first-hand look at the criminal justice process and the different roles within the system. Because we sought to have an ethnically diverse group of students, we sent invitations to all of our community based organizations. Our first Shadow Day, we had over 70 high school students from many different schools throughout the county. Our second Shadow Day was even more successful with over 100 participants. Students were both ethnically and economically diverse. In addition, during the 2015-16 school year, high school students were invited to participate in our yearlong Youth Academy. Students learned about the criminal justice system as well as engaged in intervention and prevention programs regarding gangs and risks involving the use of social media in 1 ½ hour classes held every other week. We had such a strong response to our initial invitation that we formed two academies, located in two different areas of the county. A total of 120 students participated this past year from 46 different high schools. Our ethnically diverse presenters were from the court, probation, public defender’s office, and the police and sheriff departments. Topics ranged from an overview of the criminal justice system, use of force, in car cameras, criminal investigations, forensic science, gangs, abuse of marijuana, and distracted driving. The goals of the program were for students to see firsthand the criminal justice system, have open dialog about issues that affect youth today, and encourage students to consider a career in the justice system. At the graduation ceremony, we asked the students to tell us what they got out of the program. Several remarked that their views of law enforcement changed from negative to positive and most indicated they were considering a career in many of the fields they were exposed to. (8) For complaints reported in Table 4, if there were any with a finding of merit, for each category of complaints (i.e. race, gender, age, etc.) please provide a description of the measures taken to prevent recurrences. Please do not provide specifics regarding the case(s), individual(s) involved, or corrective/disciplinary action taken. Not applicable.
FINAL%202016%20DA%20WFSR.docx