Not every measure of a police officer’s impact can be captured in a statistic. Sometimes, it looks like building trust with a young person, opening their eyes to new possibilities or just showing up consistently as a positive presence in their life.
Through its various youth programs, officers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Community Engagement Division invest in relationships with Charlotte’s young residents — helping them build skills and confidence, laying the foundation for stronger communities and even positively influencing future crime trends.
Francis Auayang is an officer in CMPD’s Community Engagement Division. We asked him to tell us more about REACH Academy, a gender-specific program that builds positive relationships between participants and officers. It promotes personal and social responsibility through leadership opportunities, educational seminars and field trips, and career and vocation development classes.
What inspired the creation of CMPD’s summer youth programs?
They were inspired by a desire to connect with youth in a creative and meaningful way during the summer months. These programs were designed to provide continued education, mentorship and positive engagement while school is out, as well as to strengthen relationships between officers and the young people in our community.
What are the key goals of the REACH Academy?
The primary goal is to provide students with mentorship opportunities while developing life skills centered on Respect, Engagement, Accountability, Character and Honesty. Through structured activities and officer interaction, the program helps prepare participants for future academic, personal and professional success.
Why is it important for law enforcement to be involved in youth development?
Law enforcement involvement in youth development helps build positive relationships early and creates opportunities for mentorship, guidance and trust. When officers engage with youth outside of enforcement situations, it humanizes the badge and helps young residents see officers as accessible community partners. This proactive approach can contribute to safer communities and better long-term outcomes for both youth and law enforcement due to the perception shift.
How do officers get involved in CMPD’s youth programs?
Officers can get involved by reaching out to the Community Engagement Unit and expressing interest in participating. Opportunities include mentoring, assisting with program planning, participating in activities and serving as officer advisors for programming.
How do these programs help build trust between young Charlotteans and police officers?
These programs create consistent, positive interactions in a supportive environment. By working together in team-building activities, educational sessions and mentorship opportunities, young Charlotte residents are able to see their local officers as individuals who care about their success. This helps reduce misconceptions, strengthens mutual respect and builds long-term community trust.
If you could tell recruits one thing about youth engagement, what would it be?
Youth engagement is an investment in the future of both the community and the profession. The relationships officers build with young people can shape perceptions of law enforcement for years to come. Taking the time to mentor and connect can have a lasting impact that extends far beyond a single interaction.
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