United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that his Office as well as the Mobile FBI and Mobile Police Department will host another Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters training session, also known as S.T.Y.L.E. In partnership with the Mobile Field Office of the FBI and the Mobile Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will make this program available to churches from June-September and local schools from October-May. Once again, the S.T.Y.L.E. program is specifically tailored for high school students, who will participate in several mock scenarios involving how to engage law enforcement. These scenarios will include instruction on how to respond when approached by law enforcement officers while driving a car, on the street or at home. Additionally, in order to afford students with the opportunity gain an appreciation for the split-second life or death decisions law enforcement officers make on a daily basis, they will also have the opportunity to observe their chaperones participate in the FATS Simulator, which is a life sized video firearms training tool used by law enforcement. The students will also observe an explosives demonstration and conclude the training with smaller groups of students participating in roundtable discussions about the day’s events over lunch with individual officers.
According to U.S. Attorney Brown, “In the wake of so many tragic events across the country in recent years it is vitally important that we continue to ‘bridge the gap’ between our youth and law enforcement officers. The past has shown us that these tragic events can occur in smaller cities and rural areas as well as larger metropolitan areas. I commend Mobile Police Chief James Barber and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Lasky for their proactive efforts to build mutual understanding and rapport with the community." U.S. Attorney Brown continued, “The first execution of the S.T.Y.L.E. program was extremely well received by the participating students and law enforcement officers alike. In the second instalment of the S.T.Y.L.E. program we hope to continue building trust one person at a time." The first program took place on May 7, 2015, during which 28 students were hosted from Blount High School.
“Engaging Mobile’s younger generation with local law enforcement is key in creating long-lasting, effective communication practices for citizens as well as officers," said Mobile Police Chief James Barber. “The Department’s partnership with the U. S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will help achieve the mission to make Mobile the safest city in America with respect for everyone."
The second S.T.Y.L.E. training session will take place on June 19, 2015, during which time 38 youth from Mt Hebron Church will be hosted.
Churches, schools or civic organizations desiring to have their youth participate in a future S.T.Y.L.E. training session can contact Assistant United States Attorney, Suntrease Williams-Maynard at the email address suntrease.williams-maynard@usdoj.gov or by phone at 251-415-7163. More specific media inquiries related to the location of the S.T.Y.L.E. training on June 19th can be directed to Tommy Loftis at 251-415-7131.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
