CLAYTON, MO (KMOX) - The new Chief of the St. Louis County Police Department tells KMOX, concern about "teen takeovers" is keeping him up at night. "Something bad is going to happen," says Chief Juan Cox, "and when it happens to young folks, it looks twice as bad."
Cox says the County Police Department is talking with the St. Louis City Police Department to put together operational plans to combat future teenage flash mobs.
He says there are programs in place to keep kids busy. In fact, he was instrumental in helping develop some of those including the St. Louis County Police Athletic League (PAL)which fosters relationships between law enforcement and local youth. He also created the St. Louis County Intramural Sports League, and Courageous Conversations.
Cox adds, it's time to start holding juveniles accountable for their actions. KMOX's Total Information AM asked the Chief about parental responsibility. "It's Grandma who may be 70, 80 years old raising that 8, 10, 12, 15 year old kid and that's a lot of pressure on her and she's already raised her kids. We are definitely seeing a lack of parenting."
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Chief Juan Cox joined KMOX's Total Information AM to talk about priorities for the department
Chief Juan Cox joined KMOX's Total Information AM to talk about priorities for the department
