NJ Workshop Builds Bridges Between Cops, Young People Of Color

NEWARK, NJ — Why is it important to “build bridges” between the police and people re-entering society after stints in prison? That was the question a recent training exercise between community members and 10 state troopers in New Jersey sought to answer.

The workshop, organized by the NJ Reentry Corporation (NJRC), took place earlier this month at St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark.

Together, the troopers and members of the nonprofit used the “Building Bridges” model developed at St. Benedict’s Prep to guide the five-hour session, led by Victory Road leadership Development Group and its team of instructors from the U.S. Navy SEAL and special operations community.

Pairing up a police officer with a community member, the workshop ran participants through a series of challenges designed to teach them team-building skills.

According to the NJRC:

“Building Bridges began as an initiative to bridge better understanding between young people from communities of color and law enforcement. To date, more than six evolutions have involved St. Benedict’s Prep students and New Jersey state troopers. The ultimate goal is to replicate the program in communities and law enforcement agencies, locally, regionally and nationally. The challenge on Nov. 3 represented a significant step in that process.”

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