The Evolution of Youth Programs

Beginning in the first few decades of the twentieth century, a number of communities experimented with youth programs involving the assumption of limited types of public safety roles, especially in the field of school-age pedestrian safety. Some of the groups morphed into the recreational program known as the Police Athletic League, while others were the forerunners for the establishment of Law Enforcement Explorer Posts. However, the most well-known organization is the American Automobile Association (AAA) School Safety Patrol program, which has a 100-year history. Brief details about the first usage of the term “teenager” are also covered.