The officers of the Youth Services Unit (YSU) believe that the youth of
today are our most valuable resource and an essential element in our future.
Unfortunately, statistics indicate a growing involvement in criminal
activities by juveniles, either as victims or perpetrators. This unique
segment of our society demands a delicate balance of strategies to
effectively, efficiently and professionally protect our youth, provide
guidance and counseling or, finally, to prosecute them.
The goal of the Youth Services Unit is to gain a better understanding of
the experience of youth in the area, to help them find their place so that
they have a positive impact on the community, and to advocate on their behalf.
To achieve the desired results, there must be a cohesive effort by family,
schools, social service agencies, and law enforcement agencies.
The unit believes education is the key to a better future for our youth and
focuses on programs that prevent the youth of Isabella County from getting
into trouble. These programs are designed to maximize interaction between the
officers in the unit and the youth in the county.
The officers of YSU believe each of the following to be a part of their
overall mission:
- Coordinate investigation of all youth criminal activity in Isabella
County.
- Use all available resources to carry out their programs.
- Gather and share information with other agencies involved with youth.
- Assist other officers investigating youth criminal activity .
- Introduce intervention and interaction techniques to those dealing with
youth problems.
- Act as liaison between law enforcement agencies and area schools.
- Keep law enforcement agencies informed regarding changes in juvenile
laws.
- Keep abreast of youth culture updates on fads, dress, music, and other
trends, sharing this information with those dealing with youth problems.
- Focus on crime prevention techniques.
- Develop and implement youth safety programs.
- Identify and analyze potential problem areas.
- Identify "high-risk" youth and develop intervention
strategies.
Schools Educators Police Liaison Association (SEPLA)
