Law enforcement agencies nationwide face significant challenges in addressing youth crime. To help tackle this pressing issue, PERF compiled a set of effective strategies from agencies nationwide that are making a meaningful impact in their communities.

At a June 10, 2025, meeting held in collaboration with the Maryland Governor’s Office, PERF showcased 11 innovative programs from seven law enforcement agencies. These initiatives are designed to deter youth from engaging in criminal behavior and have demonstrated success in significantly reducing juvenile crime. 

With funding from GOCPP, PERF is now able to offer no-cost technical assistance (TA) to support Maryland law enforcement agencies in implementing a program or programs that best meet their jurisdiction’s needs. To request technical assistance, contact Rachel Apfelbaum, PERF Research Principal, at [email protected].

Technical assistance may include:

  • Expert guidance from subject matter specialists to help assess your community’s needs and identify the most appropriate program to implement. 
  • Direct support from one of the seven featured agencies, which could involve presenting the program to local stakeholders or elected officials to build buy-in, or hosting your agency for a site visit to observe the program in action.
  • Collaborative planning with your agency to develop a comprehensive and tailored program implementation strategy.

The PowerPoint presentations about these model programs are available below. More comprehensive information on these programs and their outcomes, please click here.

Manassas City (VA) Police Department

  • Parent E3 Series – This program engages, educates, and empowers parents and caregivers to address at-risk behaviors among youth. 
  • Team Quest – An early-intervention strategy designed to provide at-risk youth with learning opportunities and activities.

Kansas City (KS) Police Department

  • Driver’s Ed Program – This police-led driver’s education program helps prevent youth from becoming involved in the criminal justice system. It enables young people to obtain their driver's license and enhances their relationship with the police through positive interactions.

Cedar Hill (TX) Police Department

  • Youth Summit – A three-day summer program hosted by the police department that educates youth on police procedures and builds positive relationships between youth and police.

Lincoln (NE) Police Department

  • Project Restore – A diversion program for youth who commit misdemeanor offenses at school.
  • Tipping Point – A crime prevention program housed in the Gang Unit that mentors and provides services to gang-involved youth.

Longmont (CO) Department of Public Safety

  • REWiND Program – A pre-file deflection initiative designed to deflect youth from the criminal justice system before formal charges are filed.

Phoenix (AZ) Police Department

  • Youth Violence Reduction Program – An effective strategy to prevent large residential youth parties from escalating into violence and shootings.

St. Petersburg (FL) Police Department

  • Second Chance – An automatic diversion program for youth (9–17 with no prior criminal history) who are charged with a non–firearm related misdemeanor or other charges.
  • Forward Together – A program that provides wraparound services for justice-involved youth who are no longer eligible for diversion programs.
  • Habitual Offender Monitoring Program – A crime prevention strategy that provides intensive monitoring of the most prolific teen re-offenders.