Gilbert Police want unit dedicated to connecting with youth

GILBERT (AZFamily) — The Gilbert Police Department is recommending that the Town Council authorize the formation of a dedicated unit to connect and build trust with the youth.

After Preston Lord’s murder, the department created the position of “Youth Engagement Officer.” Now they want to create a unit comprised of two to three officers to expand their efforts in meeting kids at schools and community events.

Gilbert PD is still stressing, however, that they alone cannot heal the divide between police and the youth.

“This is a community effort,” Officer Lorenzo Teruya said. “We are going to work with our community, nonprofits and schools in a collaborative effort to ensure that this team is a successful program.”

So far, there is no price tag for the unit, or when it could be in front of a Town council vote.

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