CRJ101.B4W: Fall River Police Department (Jackson): Home

Project 1: Bicycle Safety & Traffic Gardens

Context: Bicycle accidents are increasing, particularly among young teenagers, resulting in significant injuries.

Proposed Solution: Implementing "Traffic Gardens" - designated areas with mini-roadways to educate children on the rules of the road.

Research Need: compile statistics on bicycle accidents, including age, injury, and fatality data both nationally and specific to Massachusetts. Additionally, this project requires data on the effectiveness of Traffic Gardens, potential costs, and suitable locations. We also need to explore how this initiative could improve community relations with the police department, such as through bike rodeos and safety events. For reference, Newport, RI, recently built a Traffic Garden. 

Project 2: Youth Engagement and Gang/Gun Violence Prevention

Context: There is a troubling rise in gang and gun violence, as well as general youth violence, in Fall River. We have seen an uptick in juvenile violent attacks. 

Objective: To proactively engage with youth to deter them from joining gangs and to build relationships with current gang members. This needs to start at a young age, as many programs only target those over 17 who have been arrested.

Proposed Approach: We aim to educate and positively interact with at-risk youth in less formal settings, which tend to foster better relationships. While our Teen Police Academy has been successful, we are looking to explore additional, less formal program ideas. Seeking information on current, effective anti-gang programs and their positive outcomes, as well as insights into developing new, tailored programs for our area.

Project 3: Empowering Young Girls to Combat Domestic Violence

Context: Domestic violence is prevalent in Fall River, with many women staying in abusive relationships due to a lack of education and fear of being unable to support themselves or their children.

Objective: Empower young girls by building their confidence and providing trusted mentorship. This involves educating them in life skills beyond academic qualifications, such as basic car maintenance, home repairs, finding services, and securing employment.

Proposed Initiative: FRPD would like to establish a mentoring group comprising female police officers and young women in the city to address these needs.