By Rich Larson
The Northfield Police Department is launching a new youth mentorship program aimed at building stronger relationships between officers and young people who could benefit from the support of a trusted adult.
Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer said the initiative was developed by department officers and will be operated using existing staff and resources.
“We’re excited about it,” Schroepfer said. “It was really the brainchild of a couple of officers who brought the idea forward.”
The program will start small, pairing officers with youth who may need additional guidance, encouragement, and positive adult role models. Officers will maintain regular contact with participants, offering support through activities ranging from homework help to playing video games and simply checking in on their lives.
The department hopes the effort will reach young people who may have had difficult interactions with law enforcement or whose families are facing challenges.
“We’re looking for those kids that maybe we deal with on different calls at their house, maybe we’re dealing with their families or siblings,” Schroepfer said. “If we can build them up and have that interaction with them, that’s what we’re trying to do.”
According to Schroepfer, Northfield’s program appears to be rare. The department is aware of only one similar law-enforcement mentoring initiative in Minnesota, operated by the St. Cloud Police Department. Northfield officers have studied that program while adapting the concept to fit a smaller community and budget.
Potential participants will be identified through police contacts, school partnerships, the school resource officer program, DARE, and referrals from families. Parents will be required to approve their child’s involvement.
There are no formal qualifications for youth to participate. Instead, the focus is on young people who may be struggling, feeling isolated, or in need of additional support.
Schroepfer said the ultimate goal is prevention and positive growth.
“A great success story for me would be seeing a kid we catch before having a really bad day or going down the criminal path,” he said. “If we can help steer them in a better direction, that’s a win for our community.”
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
