Police & Teens Together (PATT)

Improving Relations Between Teens & Law Enforcement

The widely-successful "Police & Teens Together: Communications 2000" (PATT) program was created to bring youth and law enforcement officers together in a one-on-one setting to build communication, understanding and mutual trust.

In all instances, the program unequivocally has been applauded by the media, student participants, educators, and local police departments. The program was co-developed by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Lt. Guy Steward, who received a UCHRC Unity Award in 2002 for his invaluable contributions to the program, continues to work with the UCHRC PATT Sub-Committee and local police departments to deliver the program the first time it is presented at a particular school.

Student “officer” handles a “driver and passenger” (officers) during a motor vehicle stop role play.

Following each role play, everyone gets together as a group as the officers explain certain concerns and tactics, ask the students’ thoughts, and answer questions.

Originally prototyped at • Elizabeth High School in Spring 2000, and again delivered in Spring 2003, the program has to-date been presented at the high schools in nine of Union County’s 21 municipalities:

• Roselle’s Abraham Clark High School
  (Spring 2001 and Spring 2005)
• Hillside High School (Spring 2001)
• Roselle Park High School (Spring 2002)
• Rahway High School (Spring 2002)
• Kenilworth’s David Brearly High School (Fall 2002)
• Linden High School (Fall 2002 and Fall 2003)
• Berkeley Heights / Mountainside’s Governor Livingston High School (Spring 2003)
• Clark / Garwood’s Arthur L. Johnson High School (Spring 2004)
• New Providence High School (Spring 2004, Spring 2005)
• Union High School (Spring 2004)
• Summit High School (Spring 2005).

The program is slated for presentation in 2006/2007 to the high schools in the five remaining Union County municipalities:

• Cranford,
• Plainfield,
• Scotch Plains / Fanwood,
• Springfield, and
• Westfield.