Teens Want Better Relations With MBTA Transit Police

10:58

May 11, 2010

A large percentage of teenagers report being harassed by MBTA police officers while traveling to and from Boston schools.

In a new study from the Hyde Square Task Force, conducted by youth and overseen by a professional consultant, 35 percent of teens surveyed report having witnessed a Transit Police officer using "insults with racially charged words." A majority of teens in the survey group believed officers lacked communications skills necessary to interact with young people.

We sit down with a Boston teenager and the MBTA Transit Police chief to discuss how relations can be improved.

Guests:

Carla Poulos, Coordinator of Organizing and Policy Initiatives, Hyde Square Task Force
Waldy Nova, 18, junior at West Roxbury High School
MBTA Transit Police Chief Paul MacMillan

Related Links:

Summary of study results (PDF)

This program aired on May 11, 2010.