ABOVE 12
Week 1: Introduction and Historical Context
Objective: Understand the historical context and current issues surrounding police encounters in the Black community.
Session 1: Introduction to the program, goals, and expectations.
Session 2: Historical overview of policing in Black communities.
Session 3: Current statistics and trends in police encounters.
Session 4: Open discussion and sharing personal experiences.
Week 2: Understanding Your Rights
Objective: Learn about legal rights during police encounters.
Session 1: Overview of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Session 2: Detailed explanation of the Fourth Amendment (search and seizure).
Session 3: Detailed explanation of the Fifth Amendment (self-incrimination).
Session 4: Role-playing scenarios to practice asserting rights calmly and clearly.
Week 3: Effective Communication Techniques
Objective: Develop communication skills to de-escalate encounters.
Session 1: Importance of calm and clear communication.
Session 2: Non-verbal communication tips (body language, facial expressions).
Session 3: De-escalation techniques (tone of voice, choice of words).
Session 4: Role-playing exercises to practice communication techniques.
Week 4: Safety Strategies During Traffic Stops
Objective: Learn specific strategies for handling traffic stops safely.
Session 1: What to do when you are pulled over.
Session 2: How to interact with officers during a traffic stop.
Session 3: Understanding the officer’s perspective and procedures.
Session 4: Role-playing traffic stop scenarios.
Week 5: Documentation and Evidence
Objective: Understand the importance of documenting encounters.
Session 1: When and how to record police encounters legally.
Session 2: Using smartphone apps and other tools for documentation.
Session 3: Gathering and preserving evidence.
Session 4: Role-playing exercises to practice documenting encounters.
Week 6: Legal Recourse and Support Systems
Objective: Learn about legal recourse and support systems available.
Session 1: Overview of the legal process after a police encounter.
Session 2: Finding and working with legal representation.
Session 3: Community organizations and support systems.
Session 4: Case studies of successful legal actions and support outcomes.
Week 7: Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Objective: Address the emotional and psychological impact of police encounters.
Session 1: Recognizing and coping with trauma.
Session 2: Resources for mental health support.
Session 3: Techniques for managing stress and anxiety.
Session 4: Group discussion and support session.
Week 8: Review, Feedback, and Moving Forward
Objective: Consolidate learning, gather feedback, and plan for future actions.
Session 1: Review of key concepts and strategies learned.
Session 2: Feedback session: what worked, what can be improved.
Session 3: Planning personal safety strategies moving forward.
Session 4: Graduation ceremony and distribution of resources (handbooks, contact lists).
Additional Resources:
Guest Speakers: Invite legal experts, mental health professionals, and community leaders.
Materials: Handouts, booklets, and access to online resources.
Support: Offer continued support through community groups and follow-up sessions.
Program Implementation:
Facilitators: Trained professionals with experience in law, mental health, and community organizing.
Venue: Accessible and safe community centers.
Schedule: Weekly sessions, each lasting 1.5-2 hours.
Participants: Open to Black individuals of all ages, with targeted outreach to at-risk youth.
This program aims to empower participants with knowledge, practical skills, and support systems to navigate police encounters more safely and confidently.