Riverside PD challenges at-risk teens to put up their dukes

The Riverside Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency to team up with community members in order to help them throw down in a controlled setting.

But the concept is a little bit different than you might think.

The program, which is a joint venture between the Riverside PD and UC Riverside, is one part educational and one part lifestyle training.  Basically, it allows underrepresented youths in the county to get together in a safe, productive and mentoring-type environment.

The premise is simple- the department will provide the UCR boxing club a brand new facility and equipment, and in exchange, students will agree to tutor high school students three times a week, 30 minutes per day.

The department said they'll work with local educators and administrators to identify at-risk youth, which may include those who have a lagging interest in school, sports or who live in financially challenged households.

By combining physical activity, creating a team-based environment and adding just a touch of academics, the program may be just the thing to help keep these at-risk students off the streets and away from gangs.

Taking a page from San Diego

The San Diego Police Department gang intervention unit has a similar program.

In that county, officers go as far as helping to arrange carpools to take students from school to a Pacific Beach boxing gym.  Officers feel that by teaching them how to fight in a boxing ring, this will also pass on values such as responsibility and discipline.

It may also give them a proverbial-shot-in-the arm that will inspire them to fight for their futures.

Boxing also helps give kids something productive to do after school, during hours where parent's aren't home and they are most likely to get into trouble.  In some cases, it's even helping keep those who have had prior brushes with the law from continuing down a path of crime.

Working backward

Although many agencies are using boxing to help kids stay on the straight and narrow, some agencies are using it to help rehab jailed offenders.

In the Philippines, a jail that had previously been best known for inmates who were choreographing dance routines is know gaining attention for its Supermax Boxing Team.

Sports are a healthy and productive way for inmates to spend their time, they said, and it gives them a sense of purpose.

Thailand jails have also implemented a similar program, but their focus was to help identify world class athletes.

One such fighter, they said, even went on to qualify for the Olympics.  So while the concept of throwing punches to stay out of trouble may seem a bit confusing at first, it seems to be working out quite well.