HAMLET — It is a proven fact that teens are prone to grow intellectually, interpersonally, and emotionally from positive and supportive mentors. During these formative years, teens learn to become better planners, to be organized, and problem solvers from mentors. Studies show that positive mentoring fosters higher graduation rates as well as self-esteem and confidence building.
With these facts, the Hamlet Police Department will initiate its first mentoring endeavor, Law Enforcement Mentoring Initiative, September 2019. LEMI is a one-to-one mentoring program that connects teens with police in communities throughout Richmond County, building strong, trusting, lasting relationships. These relationships can help teens develop into confident adults and help build stronger bonds between law enforcement and the families they serve.
The goal of this initiative is to establish trust laced with accountability and responsibility between teens and law enforcement. Mentors will offer life skills that will assist in skill recognition and development, goal setting, problem-solving, and decision making.
The LEMI target audience is students that are in grades 9 through 12 in Richmond County.
L.E.M.I. is a 10-month program commencing in September and concluding in June. The participants will meet one Saturday in each month formally; however, mentors and officers may meet more frequently at their leisure doing things they enjoy together, like taking a walk in the park, going to a museum, listening to music, hanging out and talking, attending a special event, and participating in community service events. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them.
Due to the size of the Hamlet Police Department, this endeavor can only accommodate 15 participants. This number will afford the selected teens and mentors the opportunity for quality mentorship during the program.
Students will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis based upon the receipt of their application and required documents.
Please, direct questions regarding this endeavor to Detective C. Wilson at the Hamlet Police Department at 910-582-2551.
