Youth Engage Law Enforcement Officers

                           Artist:  Salvatore (Sal) Schiciano  

 Over the past two years, conversations with Toledo youth—mostly from urban areas—have yielded valuable insights regarding how teenagers view themselves, their communities, and their potential as agents of change.

Teenagers have consistently expressed their desire to build strong and safe neighborhoods but many of them feel that there needs to be an improvement in relations between the youth and law enforcement officers. Many young people are willing to work towards this end.

Teenagers enthusiastically endorsed the idea of a mural that would help remind youth and law enforcement officers about issues that need to be worked on. After sorting through the ideas and images offered by different groups of teens, the following common ideas have been distilled:

Underscoring the theme of justice in law enforcement. Youths placed an emphasis on justice as the main goal of all community building efforts. They wanted law enforcement officers to understand that they value justice and want to promote it in their communities.

Promoting gentleness and caring in the relationships between teens and law enforcement officers. Both girls and boys felt that being cool is often associated with being “rough” and that there needs to be more of a focus on the gentle side of human beings.

Developing effective listening skills. Teens often feel that no one really listens to them and that it is important for them to talk to police officers about their lives, their struggles, their frustrations, and their visions.

Encouraging Law Enforcement Officers to serve as catalysts for bridging divides. Teens feel that officers generally separate them during fights and that it would be a good thing if officers could play a role in bridging the divides within communities.

Associating with each other in recreational situations. Teens feel that it is important for both parties to get to know each other in social and recreational situations

Remembering the messages of Dr. King and Mr. Chavez. Teens wanted to remind the public about two great leaders who focused on the power of residents to build strong and safe neighborhoods. They suggested that images of Dr. King and Mr. Chavez be included in the mural. Quotes could be included too.

The ideas were discussed with area artist, Mr. Salvatore (Sal) Schiciano and he enthusiastically expressed his desire to work on the mural. Sal is one of our area’s finest young artists and a great deal of his creative talent is invested in art that promotes critical thinking and positive social action.

Police Officers at the Cherry Area Police Substation, headed by Sergeant Joe Heffernan, were very cooperative in our efforts to lay the groundwork for this mural project. This effort was funded by the Toledo Police Department headed by Chief Michael Navarre.