RELEVANT
FOCUSED
READY

Police Strategies Addressing Generation Z
Randy Forster

Introduction

Discussion

In order for the police to fill their role society, it is essential for them to adapt
and make changes according to the needs in their community. Policing
strategies have ranged from focusing on traditional crime prevention/ punitive
practices to one more focused on community engagement and involvement. In
relation to youth, the current generation of youth face similar issues to those in
the past such as substance and alcohol use, negative family or peer influences
and challenges that are created by society. However, there are risks specifically
related to Generation Z, that revolves around the increasing challenges in
ensuring that youth are safely using various forms of technology such as social
media. This study desired to assess the current policing strategies to see if they
are providing the community with the most effective intervention to assist
youth from engaging in crime related activities.

The findings of the data have shown that Saanich PD is able to
incorporate youth related practices that quite effective according to
the research. Four recommendations need to be considered in order
to continue these good practices. Some of these recommendations
may already take form in the programs and strategies practiced by the
Saanich PD and other policing agencies in Canada; however, it is
important to point out that these recommendations may be beneficial
for other organizations which may not have the opportunity or have
been reluctant in adopting them in a manner that reflects the needs
of their community.
Additionally, by discussing this topic, this research provides
constructive feedforward for policing agencies, where this research
creates insight on issues that perhaps may be unknown.

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe key challenges faced by
police when dealing with Generation Z. Generation Z is an emerging
demographic in society where they primarily make up the population of those
participating in elementary or completing high school. At this stage of life,
many of the choices they make will greatly impact their future opportunities
such as attending post-secondary school, obtaining a career and raising their
own families. This generation was greatly impacted by social media, cellphones
and the internet which have shaped their values, beliefs and way they
communicate with others. New challenges pertaining to cyber bullying,
technology dependence and sexting have been created by this environment. As
a result, it is essential that proper intervention is made by policing agencies
through developing strategies to mitigate the risks factors that affect
Generation Z before they develop criminal attitudes and behaviors. This
research study sought to answer the question: What strategies can law
enforcement implement to assist youth from engaging in crime related
activities?

Methods
A qualitative research approach was used in order to provide a thorough
interpretation of secondary data sources provided from multiple academic
institutions. Once the sources were chosen and reviewed, they underwent a
five stage interrelated data analysis process where they were compared with
the community initiative practices of the Saanich Police Department (Saanich
PD).

Results/Findings
Amongst the four main themes found in this study, the findings suggest that
members of Generation Z are able to multi-task and adapt to work demands
faster than previous generations. This is reflected in their ability to use
technology to maximize efficiency and their entrepreneurial streak which leads
them to have a burning desire in moving up the hierarchal structure to attain
leadership positions (Iorgulescu, 2016). However, this has also contributed to
multiple challenges where their negative characteristics of seeking immediate
gratification, which often leaves them at risk to acting before thinking; and this
leads to mistakes that is often found through their risky behaviors on social
media (Marganski, 2017).

Recommendations
Four recommendations were made for police agencies to keep in
mind when developing strategies. These include developing strong
ties with organizations within the community, educating officers of
the key characteristics of Generation Z, individualized approaches in
assessing risk factors and needs; lastly, ensuring that the strategies
implemented fits the needs of the community. If these
recommendations are incorporated into their practices, it may enable
them to sufficiently address the individual risk factors that each case
presents. In turn, this can help mitigate youth from making choices
that they may later regret and instead provide programs that help
them learn instead of punishing them. In doing so, these
recommendations can help police intervention prevent generation Z
from making the mistakes that limit the prospective choices that they
can have in determining their future. Thus, current policing strategies
require interveners to focus on the root causes that create challenges
for youth instead of punishing them from their mistakes.

References
Iorgulescu, M. (2016). Generation Z and its perception of work. CrossCultural Management Journal, 18(1), 47.
Marganski, A. (2017). Sexting in Poland and the United States: A
Comparative Study of Personal and Social- Situational factors.
International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 11(2), 183-201.
http://dx.doi.org.libproxy.jibc.ca:2048/10.5281/zenodo.103738

Multiple similarities were found between what the research proposed, and the
programs implemented often by Saanich PD. These include the adoption and
implementation of multi-agency partnerships, mentorships, educating youth on
safe use of social media, and fostering leadership within the agency. However,
some differences and challenges were found in these literature analyzed such
as the capabilities amongst rural agencies in being able to adopt and utilize the
benefits of these practices.

Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies

Justice Institute of British Columbia

April 2018