Joliet police to listen to what teens have to say

• Reprints

Updated: March 20, 2012 8:10AM

JOLIET — Hey teens, for once the cops want you to tell them what to do!

On Monday, Chief Mike Trafton and Cmdr. Al Roechner hope to spend more time listening than speaking at a “Teen Town Hall” organized by locally-based Youth Visions and B.E.S.T. Anger Adjusters.

“Teen violence is a continuing problem in Joliet with young kids killing young kids,” Trafton said. “We have to be willing to say what we’re doing is not working.”

Moderator Pam Fort believes kids will support something they’ve helped create.

While gang shootings tend to decrease in colder weather, the police are too aware that can change in a single weekend, and Fort said many teens are, too.

“Kids know what’s going to happen before (violence occurs), but nobody wants to talk to them until after the fact,” she said.

Trafton and Roechner, who both have teenage daughters, hope the informal setting will be able to show officers can relate to their problems. After leading the meeting, Fort’s mission will be to develop a plan with the department using the teens’ suggestions.

Fort was unable to remember a recent time the police department gave young people an open forum.

“I don’t know what the turnout will be, but if we reach a few then it’s worth it,” Trafton said.

The town hall will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Little Theatre at Joliet West High School, 401 N. Larkin Ave.

For more information, contact Fort at 815-200-8804.