Bigs in Blue Program Connects Police Officers and Youth
In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the United States have sought innovative ways to engage with their communities, fostering trust and understanding between police officers and civilians. The Bigs in Blue program is one such initiative that is making significant strides in this endeavor. Developed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, this program is reshaping the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve.
The Bigs in Blue Program
Bigs in Blue is a unique mentorship program that pairs law enforcement officers and firefighters with youth in their communities. Its core mission is to create positive relationships between police officers and young people, ultimately fostering stronger, safer communities. It has been developed with the understanding that building trust and understanding between law enforcement and civilians is crucial for effective community policing and crime prevention.
Law enforcement officers volunteer their time to serve as mentors, providing guidance, support, and positive role modeling to youth facing various challenges. These mentors, or "Bigs," make a one-year commitment to spend regular, one-on-one time with their mentees, engaging in activities that promote personal growth, skill development, and mutual respect.
The activities undertaken by Bigs and Littles (the youth participants) are diverse and tailored to the interests and needs of each mentoring relationship. They can vary from attending sporting events and visiting museums to volunteering in the community and discussing life goals while grabbing lunch at a food truck—whatever fosters friendship, trust, and understanding.
Impact on Communities
The impact of the Bigs in Blue program extends far beyond individual mentoring relationships. By humanizing law enforcement officers and providing positive interactions with young people, the program helps to:
Break down barriers and dispel stereotypes—Through shared experiences and open communication, participants develop empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging within their communities.
Promote community engagement and proactive crime prevention—By building positive relationships with youth, officers gain valuable insights into community dynamics and concerns, enabling them to address issues before they escalate.
Develop crucial soft skills—Police officers learn valuable skills such as empathy, communication, and cultural competence, essential for effective policing in diverse communities.
Provide positive role models—Youths in disadvantaged communities often lack exposure to functional adult figures who take responsibility for their (crime-free) lives. Engaging with law enforcement officers can show them alternative lifestyles and give them something to aspire to.
Success Stories
The impact of the Bigs in Blue program is perhaps best illustrated through the stories of its participants. From mentees who find positive role models and support systems in their Bigs to officers who gain a deeper understanding of the communities they serve, the program has touched countless lives and transformed perceptions.
Officer Seth Parker and Daniel (Massachusetts Bay)
One such success story is that of officer Seth Parker of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay and his mentee Daniel, the son of a single mom. Daniel doesn't have a relationship with his dad, and there are activities he wants to participate in that his mom can't help him with. Parker patrols the area Daniel lives in and knows the challenges of daily life. It's a big gang area, which makes it unsafe for kids to play outside on their own. Daniel is a keen basketball player and can now shoot hoops safely with his Big.
Parker has also been able to advise Daniel on career choices. After hearing how becoming a professional basketball player would require a combination of enormous talent and effort, Daniel is now considering engineering. Parker's helping to make sure his subject choices and grades will make that possible—something his mom wouldn't know how to do, and his teachers are too stretched to assist with.
Officer Christy Chamberlain and Nyla (Dallas, Texas)
Christy Chamberlain, an officer in the gang unit of the Dallas, Texas, Police Department, meets her Little, Nyla, weekly. They enjoy a snack after school and then hang out together. A favorite pastime is visiting the library to read, and Chamberlain also takes Nyla to after-school gymnastics camp. She found the
camp after learning of Nyla’s interest in gymnastics.
The Dallas Bigs in Blue Program was initiated in 2017 after five officers were shot. The department knew something must be done to mend community relationships for the next generation. Nyla's initially skeptical attitude toward her police officer, Big, has shifted. Recently, she wrote a story about a police officer rescuing a puppy.
Looking Ahead
Through shared experiences and genuine human connections, the Bigs in Blue program paves the way for a more united and resilient society, one mentoring relationship at a time. As its reach and impact expand, its importance in fostering positive police-community relations cannot be overstated. In the current era of heightened tensions and distrust between law enforcement and civilians, initiatives like Bigs in Blue offer a beacon of hope, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible through collaboration, empathy, and genuine human connection.