Genoa Police Officer Rick Lyon speaks with Central students about what happens during a traffic stop.
During the month of November, more than 70 students at Westerville Central High School participated in a unique program designed to foster better communication and understanding between teens and police. The Genoa Police Department partnered with Westerville Central administration to pilot The Bridge Program, which was developed by parent volunteers to create a meaningful dialogue between police, teens and young adults.
On Wednesdays during the month, pupils could voluntarily participate in the program during 4th, 5th, and 6th periods. Sessions each week were highly interactive covering topics such as:
- Student perception of police and what types of interactions they may have had with them.
- What does respect mean, and what does mutual respect on the part of police and students look like?
- Was there more to the story: A discussion of high profile cases where police abuse was alleged.
- What initiates police interactions with the public?
- Police response to escalations during encounters with citizens.
- The dangers of traffic stops for citizens and police.
Each session included discussions, role playing with students, and the opportunity for officers to explain how they are trained to respond to various situations.
Key partners were:
- Chief Stephen Gammill – Genoa Police Department;
- Todd Spinner – Principal, Westerville Central High School;
- Sergeant Rick Lyon – Genoa Police Department;
- Officer Joseph Graham – Genoa Police Department (Central High School Resource Officer);
- Jay Woodall – Bridge Program Developer/Facilitator, Parent Volunteer;
- Ron George – Bridge Program Co-Facilitator, Parent Volunteer; and
- Dr. John Kellogg – Superintendent, Westerville City Schools.