The Phoenix Police Department is seeking community input on a new “Youth Interactions” policy designed to promote positive, respectful, and supportive relationships between officers and young people.
The proposed policy outlines guidelines for how police interact with youth — whether during routine encounters, interviews, or crisis situations — with a focus on communication, empathy, and minimizing trauma. It also emphasizes non-enforcement interactions to help reduce fear and build trust between law enforcement and the city’s younger residents.
Key provisions include:
Training officers to use communication strategies that encourage cooperation and understanding.
Guidance on responding to youth experiencing crisis, disabilities, or other vulnerabilities.
Recognizing that interactions with minors differ from those with adults, particularly during interviews or consensual contacts.
Prioritizing the removal of youth from traumatic scenes when possible to prevent further emotional harm.
The department opened a 30-day public comment period on Thursday, Oct. 23, which will run through Saturday, Nov. 22. Residents are encouraged to review the draft and share feedback through the link provided at the bottom of the proposed policy.
All community feedback will be reviewed and considered before the policy is finalized.
For more information or to submit comments, visit the Phoenix Police Department’s official website.
