Columbus police aim to build trust, respect with teens

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Division of Police is trying to build relationships with teens in the city.

The division held its second annual youth summit on Friday at the Linden Recreation Center.

CPD, the FBI, and the National Guard were all there to talk with the teens.

According to police, the purpose is to build trust and respect between the youth and officers.

Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts said she wants kids to feel comfortable coming up to officers and saying hi, not just talking with them when there's trouble.

"I want them to look at this badge and not see Chief Potts, but LaShanna, the mom, the community member," she said. "That they can come to me and see me in the grocery store and say 'Hello LaShanna' and I can say hello to whoever they are and that it's a connection that's true and authentic."

The summit included about 100 teens from seven different schools.