Nominate White House Champions of Change for Building Bridges Between Youth and Law Enforcement

Across the country, law enforcement officers and youth are participating in recreational, service and other joint activities that help to build bridges between young people and law enforcement and improve public safety. 

Strengthening the relationships between law enforcement and the community continues to be a priority for this Administration. In 2014, the Department of Justice launched the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice to support training, evidence-based strategies, policy development and research to combat distrust and hostility between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services Office provides law enforcement agencies with the tools that they need to fully engage in community policing. The President’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative is also focused on reducing violence by promoting community-oriented policing practices and improving trust between law enforcement and communities, while enhancing the overall life and educational outcomes for justice-involved youth.

Please help us identify a young person (up to and including age 25) and law enforcement officer who are going above and beyond to work together to make their communities safer. Each nomination must include a pair of individuals – one young person and one law enforcement officer. Nominations for single individuals will not be considered. A select group of these leaders will be invited to the White House to be honored and to share their accomplishments. Please nominate a pair of Champions by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, August 14.

We are seeking Champions from a diversity of backgrounds, large and small departments, urban, rural and tribal communities. Nominees may include the following types of individuals:

• Law enforcement officers who work with community partners to provide youth services, including mentorship, homework assistance, camping trips, counseling, education and sports leagues.
• Young people who have led programs and initiatives that include meaningful dialogues between law enforcement and youth – particularly LGBT, homeless, immigrant, minority and other marginalized youth – and/or developed materials to help educate youth about their rights and how to navigate interactions with law enforcement.
• Police officers and youth who are using technology, including social media channels, to increase positive communication between law enforcement and young adults. 

Click on the link below and choose Building Bridges Between Youth and Law Enforcement under "Theme of Service" to submit your nomination.

Nominate Champions of Change for Building Bridges Between Youth and Law Enforcement

Roy L. Austin Jr. is the Deputy Assistant to the President for the Office of Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity.