2025/09/04 by Vernise Estorcien, Sukumar Ganapati · 1 voice · 2 citations
Social Sciences · #Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering #Policing Practices and Perceptions #Youth Development and Social Support
paper · doi:10.1080/24751979.2025.2552476
openalex publication_date 2025/09/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/10
Police youth organizations provide benefits in promoting positive behavioral development in children and young adults. This article examines the administrative structures and program characteristics of these police youth organizations in Florida counties and cities. The research has practical importance in providing insights into organizational mechanisms that help them to sustain their activities. Three isomorphic structures have evolved: departmental (part of a police unit), nonprofit (loosely connected with a police unit), and quasi-voluntary (hybrid combination). The structure influences police youth organizations’ goals, activities, funding, and mentoring. Practically, the article provides insights into how police agencies can structure affiliated youth organizations according to their needs.