City Council Meeting Date: July 7, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Jeff Schroepfer, Police Chief
Subject:
TITLE
Police Department Mentorship Program Presentation
BODY
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council will receive an overview of the proposed Police Department Mentorship Program.
Summary Report:
The Northfield Police Department's Community Engagement and Recruitment Team (CERT) is in the process of creating a Youth Mentorship Program designed to build positive relationships between law enforcement and Northfield youth while providing guidance, encouragement, and support to young people who may benefit from a positive adult role model.
The program is intended to help youth develop confidence, life skills, and meaningful community connections while providing consistent support from caring adult mentors. Particular emphasis will be placed on youth who have experienced challenges, including involvement with the juvenile justice system, school-related difficulties, family instability, or other risk factors that may impact long-term success.
By creating positive and constructive relationships with trusted adults, the program seeks to improve outcomes for youth, strengthen community relationships, and support the Department's commitment to prevention, engagement, and public safety.
The Northfield Police Department recently established the Community Engagement and Recruitment Team (CERT) to strengthen connections between the Police Department and the community, foster trust and engagement, and support future recruitment efforts.
CERT serves as the Department's primary group for community outreach initiatives and youth engagement activities. The proposed Youth Mentorship Program aligns directly with CERT's mission by creating meaningful, long-term relationships between police officers and Northfield youth outside of traditional enforcement interactions.
The proposed Youth Mentorship Program is supported by research demonstrating the positive impact that adult mentoring relationships can have on youth outcomes.
In a Wilder Research 2007 report, Analyzing the Social Return on Investment in Youth Mentoring Programs, researchers found that mentoring programs provide measurable social and economic benefits by helping youth avoid future involvement in crime, improve educational outcomes, and develop stronger social connections. The study concluded that investments in youth mentoring generate returns to the community through reduced justice system costs, lower victimization rates, improved employment prospects, and reduced reliance on social services.
The report further noted that youth who become involved in the juvenile justice system often face significant barriers to returning to a positive life path. Without positive support systems, many youth continue patterns of behavior that increase their likelihood of future justice system involvement. Consistent relationships with caring and responsible adults can serve as a critical protective factor, helping youth make positive decisions, develop life skills, and build resilience.
The Department recognizes that not every youth involved in the juvenile justice system will continue down a negative path. However, research suggests that timely intervention, positive relationships, and meaningful support can significantly improve the likelihood of successful outcomes. The proposed mentorship program is intended to provide those opportunities before more serious issues develop.
The Youth Mentorship Program would:
• Be administered through the Northfield Police Department's Community Engagement and Recruitment Team (CERT).
• Provide youth with positive adult role models and supportive relationships.
• Partner with local schools, community organizations, and families.
• Focus on prevention, intervention, and youth development.
• Create opportunities for educational, recreational, and community-based activities.
• Foster positive perceptions of law enforcement through consistent, non-enforcement interactions.
• Encourage leadership development, personal responsibility, and goal setting.
The program is designed to complement existing youth services and community resources while addressing the well-documented need for positive adult mentorship among at-risk youth.
The program would focus on youth who:
• Have entered or are at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.
• Demonstrate behavioral, attendance, or academic concerns.
• Could benefit from a positive adult role model.
• Have limited access to supportive adult relationships outside their immediate family.
Participation would be voluntary and would require parental or guardian consent.
Expected Benefits
For Youth
• Increased positive adult support and guidance.
• Improved school attendance and academic engagement.
• Increased self-confidence and goal-setting skills.
• Reduced involvement in delinquent behavior.
• Greater connection to the community.
For Families
• Additional support resources.
• Improved communication and problem-solving opportunities.
• Increased awareness of available community services.
For the Community
• Reduced juvenile crime and recidivism.
• Strengthened trust and relationships between youth and law enforcement.
• Increased community safety.
• Long-term reductions in criminal justice and social service costs.
Staff will continue evaluating program structure, mentor training requirements, participant referral processes, and performance measures to ensure long-term success and accountability.
The Youth Mentorship Program represents the inaugural initiative of the Northfield Police Department's Community Engagement and Recruitment Team (CERT) and reflects the Department's commitment to proactive community engagement, youth development, and long-term crime prevention. Through meaningful relationships and early intervention, the program aims to create positive outcomes for youth while strengthening the safety and well-being of the Northfield community.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
The proposed Youth Mentorship Program will be administered by the Northfield Police Department's Community Engagement and Recruitment Team (CERT) utilizing existing staff resources and budgeted personnel time. Initial program activities are expected to be accommodated within the Police Department's current operating budget, and no additional City funding or budget increase is being requested at this time.
As the program develops, the Department may pursue voluntary community partnerships, sponsorships, grants, or donations to support youth activities and program enhancements. Any future funding opportunities would be administered in accordance with City policies and procedures.
Tentative Timelines:
Summer 2026 implementation