Students from the Making Connections programs at all three Downingtown Area School District (DASD) high schools joined peers from across Chester County for the Chester County District Attorney’s Office Student and Law Enforcement Symposium.
Sponsored by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, this annual event is part of an ongoing countywide initiative to foster meaningful dialogue between teens and local law enforcement. The symposium provides an open forum to discuss issues impacting youth and their interactions with police, with a particular focus on strengthening understanding and trust among communities of color.
“These activities provide opportunities for natural dialogue between officers and students,” said Justin Brown, DASD Director of Student Relations and School Climate. “Through these connections, students and officers build trust, rapport, and stronger foundations for the future.”
The daylong symposium included an overview of the criminal justice system, a panel discussion with local law enforcement officials, role-play scenarios, small group conversations, and a shared lunch. Two DASD students volunteered to sit on the panel alongside officers, and several students also volunteered to participate in the role-play exercises designed to explore real-world interactions with law enforcement. Each activity was created to encourage empathy, communication, and collaboration between students and officers.
“The student participants of the Law Enforcement Symposium were afforded a unique opportunity to gain a different perspective on police officers by role-playing scenarios where law enforcement would have contact with teenagers,” said Annie Williams, Downingtown High School West teacher. “Both parties were challenged to understand the other’s point of view with compassion and fairness. This event was a great step in bridging the gap between minorities and law enforcement in a positive manner that brings hope to both sides.”
Now in its sixth year, DASD’s Making Connections program continues to create spaces for dialogue and understanding between youth and law enforcement. The program empowers students to share their voices, challenge misconceptions, and explore shared values that unite the community.
Source: Berkshire mont