Teen Violence Prevention Baton Rouge Louisiana

Teenage violence has become a very contentious and polarizing issue for many within the United States. The proliferation of social media and its entrenchment within the lives of teens has caused concern. Studies have shown that most teenagers are still undergoing brain development. As a result of these development, many are unable to make properly informed decisions. In addition, due to an overall lack of life experience, teens are heavily subject to rash and often irrational behavior. Research has also shown that the influence of peers during the stage of development is much higher than parents family influence (Sheley, 1996). As peers have a very large influence on the behavior of adolescents, it is imperative to examine the adolescents sphere of influence. Through observation of the immediate peers that that the adolescent is exposed, behaviors can more readily be predicted. As it relates to violence, many teenage offenders are often exposed to violence at a very young age, either through immediate family or peer relationship. Likewise, the violent behavior is often normalized creating a sense of regularity for behavior that is typically uncommon. In addition unrealistic expectations proprogated by social media create a false narrative as to what is “cool” or “acceptable” behavior in society. Many teens, in an effort to be accepted or to become popular often engage in unproductive behavior simply because their peers or social media promote it (Kahn, 1998). Self-destructive behaviors through popular channels are often promoted in a manner that is often misconstrued as socially acceptable. A very common example is hip hop video’s which promote violence within their lyrics. Many of the lyrics often embrace self-destructive habits such as assault, homicide, and murder. Each of these elements are shunned in society but through popular hip-hop music they are embraced, created a mismatch between what is acceptable in society and what is perceived to be “cool” or “acceptable.” Songs such as Cardi B’s “W.A.P” misconstrue promiscuous behavior with “Women’s empowerment,” further confusing vulnerable teens, many of which tend to be minorities. In addition there is a lack of father figures within many of these vulnerable communities who can course correct this behavior and improve it. This combination of a lack of family dynamics, inappropriate values promoted by social media, the need for peer acceptance, and low socio-economic status all contribute to teen violence in Baton Rouge (Ash, 1996).

To begin, over the last decade Baton Rouge has experienced a very large and protracted increase in violent crimes. Between 2010 and 2020, the number juveniles arrested in Baton Rouge alone increase over 70% from 4716 in 2010 to 8017 in 2020. In 2010 nearly 25% of juveniles arrested where repeat offenders indicating a pattern of criminal behavior in a teens life. By 2020, this figure has risen slightly to roughly 28%. Sixteen percent of these juveniles had committed a total of 1040 violent crimes, including 21 homicides, 65 armed robberies, and 156 aggravated assaults. As a result of these statistics, teen violence appears to be a major issue within Baton Rouge. Not only are deadly and violent crimes becoming more frequent, but the results of these crimes are becoming more adverse for society overall.

Larger amounts to teen violent crimes has severe repercussions for society and that state of Louisiana. For one, about a third of teen violent crimes are from repeat offenders indicating a pattern of criminal behavior. This is concerning, as this indicates that these teenagers will engage in lifelong criminal behavior that can result in damage to society. This damage can occur with increased tax revenues required to support a larger jail and prison population, putting more strain on middle class residents. The higher amounts of damage and violent crimes could also lead to higher insurance costs for Baton Rouge residents who have been victims of violent crimes in the past. This could potentially be prominent for businesses and homes that are highly susceptible to damage from violent teens. Family dynamics could also be disrupted here as well. Violent crimes could result in deaths, severe injury or other consequences for individuals within the community. This ultimately can disrupt the overall family dynamic within the community (Brener, 1999).

As noted above, the overall consequences of violent crimes is very severe and therefore warrants a very comprehensive response on the part of community leaders and law enforcement. This has occurred recently as city officials, nonprofit organizations, and law enforcement agencies have all looked to provide solutions to the violent teen problem. The primary catalyst and conduit used is the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention program. This program is designed to support Louisiana to protect not only violent teens but their communities as well. The form of this protection however leverages a variety of different programs. On such program is the partnership prevent juvenile gun violence. Here, Baton Rouge does not have a single program designed to address all of the risk factors associated with teenage violent crimes. The program is designed to focus on highly vulnerable areas throughout Baton Rouge to not only prevent violent crimes by teenagers but also to provide complementary services designed to help foster a much more collaborative and positive economic environment. 2020 statistics show that roughly two-thirds of all teenage violent crimes occur in just two ZIP codes. As a result, the program is designed to target individual’s under the age of 21 within these two high-crime ZIP codes in an effort to mitigate violent crimes. The collaboration is constructed of four primary pillars all designed to address separate risk factors

The first element of the plan is to implement a multiagency law enforcement designed to mitigate and deter criminal behavior within the two high crime zip codes. This strategy includes leveraging multiple agencies to provide large scale support for the two high crime zip codes. This also includes established clear communication channels between local residents and law enforcement. The aim is for communities who are often the first line of defense against violent crimes, to work with law enforcement in detection and prevention of violent crimes. Through the establishment of a criminal hotline, open channels of communication, and rapid response by law enforcement, criminals can be quickly identified and apprehended. This rapid apprehension sets an example for other would be offenders and serves as a deterrent to future violent behaviors by teens.

The next pillar is to use a very comprehensive intervention strategy with at-risk youth within the area. This includes providing skills and job training seminars for youth and their families. The aim here, is to provide jobs, skills, training, and education services designed to help youth become more marketable within the job market. By being more marketable within the job market, youth are less likely to turn to illegal activities to supplement their overall income. Jobs can also provide a real-world education that youth can then use to pursue better higher paying jobs. Higher incomes also allow youth to learn soft skills related to time management, customer service, and other behaviors that enhance their value to society. By being productive members of society, youth will be in a much better position to avoid criminal behaviors within the high-risk zip codes.