I’m working on a social science discussion question and need support to help me study.

Popular culture may lead one to believe that law enforcement and juveniles are in a perpetual state of conflict—neighborhood delinquents who are one step ahead of the police officers who track them with single-minded focus. Or another concept you may not see portrayed but may be familiar with in your own professional practice are programs designed to assist youth and create positive relationships.

It might surprise you to learn that many in law enforcement focus more on keeping youth out of the juvenile justice system.

In this Discussion, you compare your conception of juvenile and law enforcement relationships with popular perceptions.

To prepare:

• Your Instructor may post a contemporary news story or other current example of a positive juvenile and law enforcement relationship; alternately, your Instructor may invite you to find your own example.
• Read the Instructor’s posted contemporary crime story or refer to a story you researched.

By Day 3 of Week 4

Post a response to the following:

• To what degree do media portrayals of juvenile/police relationships reflect your professional or personal experience?
• Refer to the contemporary or current event example to illustrate your position.
• You may also incorporate professional or life experience to illustrate your position.