Police host program for area youth
Just three months ago, Pottstown made its voice heard on the issues of crime in the community.
And Pottstown Police are stepping up to take on their concerns.
That’s why on Thursday, July 25, Pottstown Police partnered with the NAACP Pottstown Chapter and NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, to speak with Pottstown kids about their relationships with police officers.
“We are here today to help you and the community understand how to bond together with the local police department,” said retired Capt. Sherri Tull, who was representing the Wilmington Police Department. “There’s a couple objectives tonight, first is that we will address the issue of community policing and provide some law enforcement tips to help you get along with law enforcement when you interact with them in the community. Also, it is our job that we ensure that another person, male or female, does not lose their life when they interact with the police officers.”
NOBLE’s mission, according to their website is “To ensure equity in the administration of justice in the provision of public service to all communities, and to serve as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action.”
The program, held at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club, was planned as a result of the Pottstown community meeting that was held at Borough Hall in May.
During that meeting, an overarching concern from citizens involved engaging police and youth at an early stage to prevent crime kids from becoming involved in crimes.
“We had a community meeting back in May and the overwhelming response from that was that we need to reach out to the young people, connect more with them, figure out where the problems are. Nobody can take kids home to raise them but we can have a positive influence when we deal with them on the streets,” said Pottstown Police Chief Mick Markovich.
Thursday’s program introduced over a dozen area youth to members of the Pottstown Police Department and went over some important factors involved with police interaction. Among those factors was the occupants of the vehicle.
Retired Detective Anthony Harris explained to kids at the program some best practices if they are ever pulled over by an officer.
“If you’re stopped by the police be respectful, maintain your composure and conduct yourself
in a mature manner,” said Harris.
Harris and Tull also reminded kids that the responsibility is not all on them.
“If you do encounter a situation with a police officer and it’s not good, make sure you tell someone, make sure it’s reported to give the police department the opportunity to investigate. Sometimes they don’t know all the activities that are going on in the street. One police officer’s actions affect all the other officers,” said Harris.
Following the presentation, kids and officers took part in several role playing exercises that were meant to show how traffic stops can go smoothly or poorly depending on the behavior of the vehicle’s occupants. The exercises were followed by a panel discussion where kids were able to ask police questions they normally wouldn’t have the chance to ask.
Among those questions were, “What’s the most rewarding part of your job?” and “Why did you decide to become a police officer?”
“The reason I wanted to be a cop is because when I was 17 I had a medical issue and a cop actually saved my life. I figured if I had the opportunity to do that just once it would be worth 25 years,” said Officer Jake Ritter about why he became an officer.
Officers agreed that helping the community and getting to know residents personally was one of the most rewarding parts of their jobs.
“Our goal right now is to get better at working with the community and to reach out to the younger kids because, you’re the future,” said Markovich to the kids in attendance. “Young kids are the future of Pottstown. You’re the future of the nation.”