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Kids in Ohio being given cards on how to interact with police.

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Malyse

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http://www.npr.org/2015/02/20/38753...ohio-a-crib-sheet-for-interacting-with-police
This week, every middle and high school student in Akron, Ohio, is getting a glossy, two-sided card giving them suggestions for dealing with police.

It's a collaboration between an anti-violence youth group and the city's police department.

The "You and the Law" cards begin with the big picture: Stay out of trouble. And then a rapid succession of 15 points — control your emotions, answer questions about your identity, put your hands on the steering wheel in plain sight.

The back of the card advises students to report police misconduct and includes phone numbers to call.

The youth group is known as Akron PeaceMakers. Member Devin Clark says it raised $1,500 to print 50,000 of the cards.

"When they get put in the situation, they're going to look back at that card and be like, 'Wow. You know, that helped when I actually read that.' It'll put them in a better position," Clark says.

The cards are getting lots of praise from adults, but they're now heading out to a tougher audience.

At Firestone High School on the city's northwest side, the reaction is largely one of interest, with some debate over the responsibility of officers in encounters.

Student Rachel Cooke says it's important that the cards recognize that police can be the transgressors.

"I'm not saying that all cops are bad, but there are cops that are drunk on their power, I would say. So I think that it holds them responsible so they can stay in line," Cooke says. "They have to obey the law just like we do."

In a quieter spot across from the cafeteria, Ryan Hall says he expects and welcomes the debate — better in a high school cafeteria than on the street.

"This is almost a preventative measure," Hall says. "In many cases it was a small situation that has escalated to end up being a much larger situation."

The idea for the cards came from a meeting in December, soon after police in nearby Cleveland shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice on a playground.

Billy Soule is Akron's liaison with the PeaceMakers. He says the kids wanted to see more than protests.

"We were hoping that someone within the community would say, 'We need a mechanism to tell our kids what to do,' " Soule says.

So the kids did it themselves.

Though some argue the cards go too far in supporting the police point of view, these kids disagree. They say it was crucial that the cards also include advice to document and report police misconduct.

Ryan Hall says it's a matter of letting people know they have options. "People can feel as if they're powerless against police because they are the police — they're put in a position of authority," Hall says. "Instead of cussing him out, I can just say, 'OK. Let me calm down,' and then at a later time, call the police station."

Willa Keith, a retired Akron police sergeant who works with the group, says it's about building trust.

"We are all working for the same goal. We want peace in the city, we want harmony, we want to live the best lives that we can," Keith says.

The Akron group plans to eventually distribute the cards to adults and to possibly extend the program internationally.

Gary, Ind., Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Mayors Working Group of Mayors and Police Chiefs, says mayors across the country are desperate to find ways to bridge police-citizen divides in their communities — and she and others are looking at this approach as one way to do that.
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It's a good measure, but ultimately depressing that they have to have these kind of solutions in 2015 instead of, you know, feeling protected by police.
 
I was raised and live in Akron myself, even graduated from Firestone, and it is just sad that this has to be done. That cops have so little regard for human life that people must take these steps.
 
It fucking terrifies me this exists.

Why the fuck cant the cop realize hes dealing with a kid? Why are we training children to interact with the supposedly trained law enforcement officers they are supposed to trust?
 
Do the cards just say "Don't."?


I respect the police highly, but there's some insane stuff happening, and it seems like it's the police needing the revamped system of interacting with the public.
 
The Jackdog said:
It fucking terrifies me this exists.

Why the fuck cant the cop realize hes dealing with a kid
Click to expand...

Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...

A 6th grader is supposed to have more calm and control than a COP?

These are kids. Of course they do and say dumb shit.
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...

Are you fucking kidding? It's a child.
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...
No one should EVER have to tell a child the right way to act around a cop so they don't end up with 7 bullets to the chest.

The cop is a fucking adult and a cop and is held to a much higher standard than a child. If a cop can't handle that then they don't need to be one.
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...

Because they're kids. Children aren't exactly known for keeping calm in stressful situations.
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.
Click to expand...

In which ParityBit held children to the same level of scrutiny as fully grown public servants.

But yes, it should be tempered....with lead.
 
I am not saying in this instance, of course Cops should never use force unless absolutely necessary. But at the same time, I have seen some people who blatantly disrespect cops (Public transportation situations recently for me) where a parent/guardian does it in front of their kids.

Kids learn and I am hoping those kids are not following the parent in the cases I saw. I saw one guy spit on a cop, and the cop restrained himself. Great thing to do while holding the hand of a 4 year old huh?
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...

I'm at a loss for words at how someone can't see what you just expressed isn't dumb as all fuck.
 
ParityBit said:
I am not saying in this instance, of course Cops should never use force unless absolutely necessary. But at the same time, I have seen some people who blatantly disrespect cops (Public transportation situations recently for me) where a parent/guardian does it in front of their kids.

Kids learn and I am hoping those kids are not following the parent in the cases I saw. I saw one guy spit on a cop, and the cop restrained himself. Great thing to do while holding the hand of a 4 year old huh?
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inWnOhIGkdRih.gif
 
It's amazing what this past year has done. I'm an upper-middle class white guy and even I barely have any trust in the police at this point.

I can't imagine how these kids feel.
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...

Because being loud, knock obnoxious or stupid is not against the law, so therefore they shouldn't have to query that they will face repercussions for certain behaviour.

In the UK kids are given info on their rights and what the police can and can't do
and can't ever risk getting shot because we don't have guns
 
When I read stories about a guy cooperating with the police and then getting murdered for scratching their nose, it's a lot harder for me to take initiatives like this seriously.

Like, I'm reading this as basically giving kids instructions on how to avoid getting killed by the cops.
 
En Ex said:
When I read stories about a guy cooperating with the police and then getting murdered for scratching their nose, it's a lot harder for me to take initiatives like this seriously.

Like, I'm reading this as basically giving kids instructions on how to avoid getting killed by the cops.
Click to expand...

That's because that's exactly this is.
 
OnPoint said:
I actually agree.

I'm not condoning that cops should mistreat children. But kids seem more aware these days of how much the law protects them and that they can get away with more because of that.
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In which OnPoint tried to paint awareness of one's rights as A Bad Thing.
 
En Ex said:
When I read stories about a guy cooperating with the police and then getting murdered for scratching their nose, it's a lot harder for me to take initiatives like this seriously.

Like, I'm reading this as basically giving kids instructions on how to avoid getting killed by the cops.
Click to expand...

Thats what it is. But the police prolly wouldn't back "how to make sure the police don't shoot you" cards.
 
BitStyle said:
It's a good measure, but ultimately depressing that they have to have these kind of solutions in 2015 instead of, you know, feeling protected by police.
Click to expand...

weird when you think about it:
Police these days are more like the ED 209 units from RoboCop.

RoboCop had prime directives that helped him protect human life.

ED 209 might kill you by mistake at a traffic stop.

Plus has anyone seen Detroit lately?
 
Coriolanus said:
In which OnPoint tried to paint awareness of one's rights as A Bad Thing.
Click to expand...

Edit: On second thought. If I did imply that, I didn't mean to. I can see how that came off and it wasn't my intent. People of any age should know their rights. They should also be taught how to interact properly. That's all I meant.

And I'm not stepping any deeper into this mudpie. I'm out.
 
ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...

OnPoint said:
I actually agree.

I'm not condoning that cops should mistreat children. But kids seem more aware these days of how much the law protects them and that they can get away with more because of that.
Click to expand...
I think we've official gone over the deep end when children are now being held responsible for being potential victims of police brutality.
 
Saint Gregory said:
I think we've official gone over the deep end when children are now being held responsible for being potential victims of police brutality.
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Wow, way to see whatever you wanted with some statements.

The point was that cards which help educate is not a bad thing. Went from that to condoning police brutality.
 
ParityBit said:
Wow, way to see whatever you wanted with some statements.

The point was that cards which help educate is not a bad thing. Went from that to condoning police brutality.
Click to expand...

ParityBit said:
Why can't a kid realize they are dealing with a cop? The way I see some kid's/young adults act is sickening. There is defiantly a level of entitlement which exists and should be tempered.

I dislike how some of the cops have been acting based on news reports, but at the same time, it is a two way street.
Click to expand...

Did you forget what you wrote? You didn't even mention the cards; you backed the police.
 
DreamyDrop said:
Did you forget what you wrote?
Click to expand...

Yeah ... kids. "This week, every middle and high school student in Akron, Ohio"

I was in the middle school, I respected authority. I was in high school and did not think about it because I never had any issues with how I acted. I knew what could happen. Not the shooting part (that should never be the option).

Where did I say anything about young kids? Where did I say anything about it was okay if cops used force on kids? Quote that please.

I am talking about the OT. Cards handed out to kids. My kids will not need cards. You know why? Because I, as a parent, teach them to respect adults and authority.


Edit: You changed your sentence! :) I did not mention the cards because that is the OT. Shouldn't that be assumed in the replies? Sorry if it does not come off that I was commented on that
 
ParityBit said:
Wow, way to see whatever you wanted with some statements.

The point was that cards which help educate is not a bad thing. Went from that to condoning police brutality.
Click to expand...

I saw what you wrote, which placed equal (at least) responsibility on the children for how the interact with police. What else was I supposed to interpret from that?
 
Means jack shit when you got police that roll up on you and just open fire. No questions asked. Or hell when they do deem you worthy enough to talk to you, they shoot you for following their orders.
 
Saint Gregory said:
I saw what you wrote, which placed equal (at least) responsibility on the children for how the interact with police. What else was I supposed to interpret from that?
Click to expand...

In the case of the cards, it is making the kids aware. How is that bad/wrong? How will they learn? Do you think all parents explain this? I know for a fact they do not.

I see no issues with the cards.
 
This really isn't a bad idea and people are overreacting. When I was in third grade, a second grader chased a teacher with a knife he brought from home. Was he actually trying to hurt her? I don't know. Did he fully understand his actions? Not sure either. However, imagine he had a real gun instead. If you think guns shot by a kid (whether he be 5 or 17) hurt less than a gun shot by an adult, you may want to reintroduce yourself to reality. These cards are useful not because we want everyone to be oppressed by "the man" but because we legitimately have children who for some reason or another point "guns" (usually replicas, but sometimes real) at police officers. Alternatively they may not have been raised right by their parents so they'll resist arrest or try to fight the police officers. Police officers are not blameless in their actions, but trying to improve relations and interactions should be something worth applauding - ESPECIALLY since they worked with a youth group to develop the card.
 
ParityBit said:
Yeah ... kids. "This week, every middle and high school student in Akron, Ohio"
Click to expand...

I entered high school when I was 15 turning 16 some months later...pretty sure by law I was still considered a kid. I certainly wasn't legally allowed to work, nor drive for my first few months of high school.
 
Don't anger the policeman. Don't stare at the policeman. Don't stand up to the policeman.

It's basically the same advice you would give to someone coming into contact with a silverback gorilla.
 
ParityBit said:
Yeah ... kids. "This week, every middle and high school student in Akron, Ohio"

I was in the middle school, I respected authority. I was in high school and did not think about it because I never had any issues with how I acted. I knew what could happen. Not the shooting part (that should never be the option).

Where did I say anything about young kids? Where did I say anything about it was okay if cops used force on kids? Quote that please.

I am talking about the OT. Cards handed out to kids. My kids will not need cards. You know why? Because I, as a parent, teach them to respect adults and authority.


Edit: You changed your sentence! :) I did not mention the cards because that is the OT. Shouldn't that be assumed in the replies? Sorry if it does not come off that I was commented on that
Click to expand...

Middle school and high school age kids aren't kids to you?
 
Slayven said:
Means jack shit when you got police that roll up on you and just open fire. No questions asked. Or hell when they do deem you worthy enough to talk to you, they shoot you for following their orders.
Click to expand...

This is true.
I recall recently a man being shot after given permission to scratch his nose by a police officer.
 
ParityBit said:
In the case of the cards, it is making the kids aware. How is that bad/wrong? How will they learn? Do you think all parents explain this? I know for a fact they do not.

I see no issues with the cards.
Click to expand...

The cards are wrong because they deflect from the real issue. I'm not trying to insult your world view but I've seen way to many posts were people talk about "well I taught my children to respect authority so..." when the truth is when you're brown that means nothing. Many victims of police brutality never even have an opportunity to either respect or disrespect authority.
 
We've had these in Los Angeles for years now basically saying don't run from them, don't fight them, don't say a word to them, and call a lawyer asap.
 
Saint Gregory said:
The cards are wrong because they deflect from the real issue. I'm not trying to insult your world view but I've seen way to many posts were people talk about "well I taught my children to respect authority so..." when the truth is when you're brown that means nothing. Many victims of police brutality never even have an opportunity to either respect or disrespect authority.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't bring race into this either. I agree on that aspect too. But you also can not lump everyone into one group. Some know what to do, some don't, sometimes it matters if you know, sometimes it does not. The cards were created with parties from both "sides." I would have been really concerned if it was just the cops coming up with these cards.
 
Link said:
"Do exactly as we say without questioning our authority and maybe we won't shoot you."
Click to expand...
Funny how there's so many people who would tell you "just do what the cop says", and then turn around and claim they need their guns to protect themselves from government tyranny. As a non American, I just find this to be weird.
 
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