Leading the village that raises the child: Officer Greg Ford

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Police Officer Greg Ford of Prince George’s County has taken a proactive approach to youth and law enforcement. A member of the Prince George’s County Youth Development Committee, Ford says that by providing more positive services to children, the county encourages good behavior, so police encounter fewer incidents involving youth. “We have to kind of think outside the box,” said Ford. “In idle time they [youth] can come up with negative ways to get in trouble.” Officer Ford was the only law enforcement officer present at the Maryland Out of School Time Leadership Summit, which took place January 5 and 6. At the conference, attendees such as child care providers, recreation department staffs, and other caretakers of children learned about various ways in which children and teens can use their time after school in a fun, but productive way. Ford has no children of his own, but said that he invests in community youth because “ultimately, they’re going to affect me and my community.” He referenced the saying “a village raises a child,” explaining that not only parents, but entire communities are responsible for guiding youth. Ford also teaches self-defense to teenagers, women and senior citizens, preparing them to be more aware of their surroundings and to avoid dangerous situations. A recent self-defense workshop took place at the Just Us Girls Overnight Adventure at Prince George’s Plaza Community Center in September. Ultimately, Ford hopes that by becoming involved in useful activities, each Prince George’s teen can set the path for a successful future. “Break down everything you’re doing and make good decisions,” he said as advice to teens. “The decisions we make today affect our future.”