DOWNTOWN — Bronx high school senior Kanisha Ffriend is police commissioner for a day Wednesday.
Ffriend, who attends Cardinal Spellman High School, was one of about 130 students who submitted essays about what they would do to reduce "youth on youth" crime in city schools and in the community. She will spend to day with Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, lunching together and going on a harbor cruise, among other things.
"I'm very excited that I got this opportunity to actually have a chance to voice my opinions and voice my concerns," Ffriend said after taking an oath of office and speaking before hundreds of people at One Police Plaza.
Ffriend, who said she saw "bullying, theft and various other crimes in their earliest forms" while in elementary school, suggested a program she calls "Y.I.E.L.D." for "Youth Intending Everyday to Limit Delinquency."
The program would have the NYPD institute a job training program for young people who have been in the juvenile justice system, and promote safe schools through increasing trust between the NYPD and elementary-school aged children. It would also create a "youth court" for young people to learn about the judicial justice system.
"Under the 'Y.I.E.L.D Project' parents, guardians, educators, professionals and, of course, young people will have an active part in reducing 'youth against youth' crime in schools and in the community," she said during her speech.
Every other precinct commander will also have a student tag along for the day.
Kelly said he was particularly impressed with Ffriend, who will be attending Syracuse University in the fall to study sports physical therapy, and plans to "take notes" from her during the day.
"She's a bright young lady," he said.
