Dallas Police Youth Forum Fields Kids' Concerns

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DALLAS (CBS11) -  In recent weeks, Dallas has seen both an outpouring of support for police, while also wrestling with the reality that tension brewing elsewhere—can still boil over right here.  So children attending Dallas Police's annual "Let's Talk" Youth Forum came with concerns—ripped right from the headlines.

"I've been asking my mom, 'Mom why are some police bad? Why are there some that are just treating us like criminals? For no reason?'," asked 11-year-old Joshua Puga.

"He had a lot of questions," added his mother Christina Puga, so she brought him to the youth forum to get those answers from police.

In spite of her efforts to shield him, Puga says the 11-year-old has been deeply affected by the ambush murders of five officers in Dallas.  So, the family made sandwiches to bring to the Northwest Substation.  And Joshua stood in silent tribute along the highway as one of the funeral processions rolled past.  But, Joshua was still confused by the conflicting images he saw of policing:  are those in blue advocates? Or enemy?

"Although I tried to encourage him, and tell him that's not true, he didn't believe that," said Christina, "he's like mom, everyone goes to jail, everybody gets arrested."

So instead of spending the day at STEM camp, Joshua joined hundreds of his peers at DPD's "Let's Talk."  The forum is billed as an open forum for young people to begin building better relationships with police.

"What changed my mind was I was asking them good questions and they were understanding the questions I was asking them, and they were giving me details," said Joshua.

"I have an open mind," said Christina, "but, I still have my concerns because I have two black sons: who are both on the autism spectrum."  And that makes her worries somewhat different.

"Sometimes there's a gap in communication—you may not have the teacher or doctor there to say, 'hey, wait—hold on—this kid is autistic: and he's going to keep running'.  But, to a police officer, you're running, so I have to shoot you.  Not all police —I want to make that very clear—but, I've seen it happen."

And while it is often a mom's role to worry, her son, at least, for now is more assured.

"Yes!" exclaimed Joshua with a smile.  "I know that they're not here to hurt me or anyone else."

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