Laserfiche WebLink
4.A. - Page 10 of 98 <br />5. Desire for Equity in the Criminal Justice System <br />Many community members have expressed concern about inequity in the national criminal justice <br />system, and how interactions with the Redwood City Police Department could ultimately result in <br />incarceration. <br />The City has several initiatives to support youth, families and adults and avoid the prospect of <br />incarceration. The Redwood City Police Department utilizes a unique combination of law <br />enforcement and clinical social work to provide prevention and early intervention services to <br />youth and their families. Early intervention strategies are critical to the prevention of many <br />negative outcomes that the youth might experience, such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, <br />school failure and dropout, and delinquency. These specialized services are available through the <br />Department's Juvenile Services Unit and include: <br />• Parent Project Program, which is a 12 week nationally recognized training program <br />designed for parents of strong-willed or out -of -control children. The curriculum teaches <br />parents how to stop negative behaviors and open positive two-way communication with <br />the child. <br />• The Tattoo Removal Program was created to assist reformed gang members who wished <br />to remove the signs, markings and stigma of past gang affiliation. The success of this <br />program led to the expanded offering to those who have experienced the trauma of <br />domestic violence or human trafficking. Removing these types of tattoos increases an <br />individual's self-esteem, in addition to creating better opportunities in education and <br />employment. <br />• Gang Prevention Classes are offered as an opportunity for parents to learn about the <br />critical issues and topics of juvenile gang prevention at home and in school. In addition to <br />teaching parents the warning signs of potential gang involvement, the presentations also <br />teach the foundations for understand the diverse nature of gangs, the social, economic <br />and cultural problems they pose, as well as the harm they cause to the community. <br />• Family Interventions are offered to parents who request police assistance to assess and <br />implement alternatives to help children with at -risk behaviors. <br />• Crossing Limits classes are taught to middle school students and provide instruction in the <br />legal consequences of bullying, sexual assaults and the inappropriate use of electronic <br />devices. <br />• The Truancy Abatement program is a collaboration with the school districts to assist with <br />keeping students in school. The program is designed to enforce truancy laws to ensure <br />students attend school and have an opportunity to achieve both academic and social <br />success. <br />• The Juvenile Diversion Program is a model program that works with both parents and <br />juvenile first-time offenders to change destructive behaviors and avoid future negative <br />interactions with the juvenile justice system. The program offers young people the unique <br />opportunity to avoid court records as a result of a minor criminal offense. <br />In response to changes in state law, and community expectations, the Redwood City Police <br />Department has adjusted its policies regarding vehicle towing. The Department no longer <br />routinely tows the vehicles of drivers cited for being unlicensed, driving on a suspended license <br />or arrested for driving while impaired. Exceptions to this practice would include situations where <br />Page 10 of 17 <br />.Jl=� . <br />City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore <br />12 <br />