New summer job program partners MPD with Milwaukee youth

MILWAUKEE -- There's a new jobs program called LEAP (Learn, Earn, Achieve with Police) available for teenagers aged 17-19 that helps them gain useful skills while working with the police.

While teens taking part in this program are getting work experience, they're also building a relationship with Milwaukee Police.

"To teach them about our policing strategies, and to help them understand the data that we analyze in order to deploy, and to develop new partners," Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said.

The LEAP program helps 17-19 year olds who are working part-time in various industries. The non-profit in charge of this program -- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is hoping this will help the distressed communities of Milwaukee.

"They aren't going to be doing kind of typical grunt jobs, but they're going to be shadowing and learning. We've committed ourselves to creating neighborhoods that can sustain civic life, and we do that by reducing crime, fear and disorder," LISC Chairwoman Cathi Madden said.

The police department hopes to educate young people about the nature of police work, but also to improve communication between the two and build trust.

"We want to give these kids who have potential, who need just a little bit of help. We're teaching them to fish," Chief Flynn said.

For more information on the LEAP program, go the LISC website.

CLICK HERE to learn more via the Milwaukee Police Department's "The Source."