Columbus Police Program Graduates 44 Youth After Intensive Violence Prevention course
Columbus, OH – August 7, 2025 – Forty-four young people aged 11 to 16 graduated today from the Beyond Enforcement program, a ten-week initiative designed to educate and empower Columbus youth about the impact of violence and the realities of the criminal justice system. The graduation ceremony, held at[LocationofGraduation-[LocationofGraduation-to be added], marked the culmination of an intensive curriculum featuring visits to critical city institutions and deeply personal testimonies.
The Beyond Enforcement program, spearheaded by Officer Myisha Fulton of the Columbus Division of Police, aims to break cycles of violence by fostering understanding and building bridges between youth and law enforcement. While many youth violence prevention programs focus on intervention after incidents, Beyond Enforcement proactively engages at-risk youth, offering a unique perspective on the consequences of violence and potential pathways to positive change.
Throughout the ten weeks, students participated in a series of impactful sessions. They toured the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, gaining a stark understanding of the finality of violent acts.They met with trauma surgeons at[NameofHospital-[NameofHospital-to be added], hearing firsthand accounts of the physical and emotional toll of injuries. A particularly poignant exercise involved attending a mock funeral, simulating the grief and loss experienced by families affected by violence. Students also engaged in direct dialog with incarcerated individuals, hearing their stories and reflecting on the choices that led to their imprisonment.
De’Nautica Johnson, a 12-year-old graduate, bravely shared her personal experiance during a visit to the trauma center. In 2018, at the age of five, De’Nautica was struck by a stray bullet while in Weinland Park. The incident, previously reported by WBNS 10TV, left a lasting impact on her life. “I was like basically answering some of the questions as I like telling my story of how I got shot because I feel like it’s a good thing, but not a good thing simultaneously occurring, like that bullet wasn’t for me,” she explained. Her willingness to share her story underscores the program’s success in creating a safe space for vulnerable youth.
Officer Fulton, who has dedicated multiple years to developing the program, expressed her pride in the graduates. “Watching them cross the stage was simply amazing,” she said. “I can see, at first, they were a little bit nervous. Today they were calm,they were confident,and they took along great things to share with their friends,their family.”
The program’s impact extended beyond emotional processing. Brian Johnson, 13, shared how the program shifted his perspective on law enforcement. Growing up surrounded by street violence, he initially approached the program with skepticism. however, he now reports a newfound relationship with an officer who understands his background and community. “He knows where I’m coming from, he understands me,” Brian said, highlighting the program’s success in building trust and fostering positive relationships.
Looking ahead:
The Beyond Enforcement program represents a proactive approach to violence prevention in Columbus. The Columbus Division of Police is currently seeking funding to expand the program’s reach,with plans to increase the number of participants and potentially offer specialized tracks addressing specific types of violence,such as gun violence and domestic abuse.[Contactdataforprogramfunding/inquiries-[Contactdataforprogramfunding/inquiries-to be added]. The program’s success hinges on continued community support and collaboration between law enforcement,educators,and local organizations.
Key Details to add (for a more comprehensive article):
Location of Graduation Ceremony: Crucial for local news.
Name of Hospital: Where the trauma surgeon visit took place. Specific Funding Needs: Details about expansion plans and how the public can contribute.
Statistics on Youth Violence in Columbus: Provide context and demonstrate the program’s relevance.
quotes from Program Partners: Include perspectives from educators or community organizations involved.
Details on the Curriculum: A more detailed breakdown of the sessions and activities.
* Long-term Follow-up Plans: How will the program track the graduates’ progress and provide ongoing support?
