Police to Set Up Its Own Youth Group

Israeli youths need more training in observing and possibly helping to enforce the law, and to that end, Israel Police will set up its own youth group. Joining the Scouts, the Working Youth, Bnei Akiva, Ezra and others will be the Police Youth Corps, Israel Police said in a statement.

The first groups will begin operating in September, the statement said. “We believe in this project, and we believe it will help encourage observance of the law among youth,” it said. According to a report in Yisrael Hayom, members of the group will wear uniforms similar to those of police, complete with insignia designating ranks and position in the group.

The project will target youths ages 15 through 18, working together with the Education Ministry to set up chapters in high schools and community centers. The first set of group leaders will be police officers, who will gradually be replaced by youths as they advance within the group. Among the activities planned for the groups will be career workshops, safe driving clinics, participation in anti-terror activities, exposure to police work, and other topics.

According to Israel Police Chief Roni Alshich, “This project is part of classical policing, which places a great emphasis on preventing crime, and raising awareness of the importance of observing the law. An individual wearing a uniform itself tends to influence behavior among citizens,” he added.