NCJ Number
10945
Journal
Police Chief Dated: (JUNE 1973) Pages: 55-57
Date Published
1973
Length
3 pages
Annotation
POLICE YOUTH OFFICER'S ROLE, WITH SUGGESTED CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING YOUTH OFFICERS.
Abstract
IDEALLY, THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS, THE YOUTH OFFICER SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES. PRACTICALLY, HE OR SHE SHOULD BE A COMPETENT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WITH BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE TRAINING AND A COUNSELING-GUIDANCE ORIENTATION. HE SHOULD BE A READY COMMUNICATOR WHO CAN FREELY INTERACT WITH YOUTH AND PARENTS, SERVING AS A RESOURCE OF INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE IN THE PREVENTION OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR. SENSITIVITY TO THE NEEDS, PROBLEMS, AND BEHAVIOR OF YOUTH IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY. SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUCH PERSONNEL SHOULD INCLUDE ACADEMIC BACKGROUND, LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION, A PERSONAL INTERVIEW, AND PERSONALITY TESTING AND SHOULD INCORPORATE A PROBATIONARY WORK PERIOD.