18/06/2026
A young person's hairstyle is not evidence of a crime.
Their outfit is not proof of wrongdoing.
Owning a laptop is not a sign of fraud.
Driving a nice car does not automatically make them a suspect.
Today, many young people earn legitimate incomes through technology, digital entrepreneurship, freelancing, software development, content creation, online consulting, e-commerce, digital marketing, and other internet-based opportunities. The digital economy has created pathways for innovation and wealth creation that did not exist a generation ago.
Unfortunately, stereotypes continue to shape perceptions and interactions with young people. When assumptions replace facts, trust is weakened, opportunities are lost, and innocent individuals may be unfairly targeted.
Effective law enforcement is essential for public safety. However, enforcement must be intelligence-driven, evidence-based, and carried out in accordance with established professional standards and the rule of law. Suspicion should be based on credible evidence, not appearance, age, lifestyle, or possession of technology.
Building safer communities requires trust between citizens and law enforcement. Young people are not just beneficiaries of that trust they are critical partners in creating it.
Let's move from profiling to professionalism, from assumptions to evidence, and from suspicion to meaningful engagement.
Every young person deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect until proven otherwise.
LICDA continues to work to ensure that trust is built between the Youths and Law Enforcement Agents using the Know the Law, Use the Law and Shape the Society approach.
