Community Policing Engagement in Decision-Making Against Substance Use Among Young Adults in Vermont, USA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5441Abstract
This study examined community policing engagement in decision-making against substance use among young adults in Vermont, USA. Substance use among young adults remains a major public safety and public health concern, requiring collaborative responses that go beyond traditional law enforcement. The study focused on how police, young adults, families, schools, health agencies, treatment providers and community organizations can participate in shared decision-making to prevent and respond to substance use. The study was guided by the need to understand the role of trust, communication, partnership, and youth participation in strengthening community-based prevention strategies. A review-based approach was used, drawing on existing literature on community policing, public participation, youth substance use, police-community trust and prevention partnerships. The findings showed that community policing engagement improves decision-making by promoting shared responsibility, local problem identification and inclusive planning. The study found that young adults are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement and participate in prevention efforts when police are viewed as partners rather than only as enforcers. The findings also showed that community policing is more effective when linked with public health services, referral systems, school and college programs, youth forums, and local prevention coalitions. However, limited community participation, resource constraints, weak trust, and inconsistent policing practices can reduce the effectiveness of such efforts. The study concluded that substance use among young adults in Vermont cannot be addressed effectively through enforcement alone. Instead, it requires a preventive, participatory and health-oriented community policing model. The study recommended strengthening youth-police dialogue, community advisory committees, public health partnerships, officer training, referral mechanisms and continuous monitoring of prevention programs. The study emphasized that inclusive decision-making can improve trust, strengthen prevention, support early intervention and promote safer and healthier communities in Vermont.
Keywords: Community Policing Engagement, Decision-Making, Substance Use, Young Adults, USA
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