Browns' Policy speaks to grads

Carmen Policy said he'll donate Browns tickets to the juvenile court every year.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Carmen Policy was in familiar territory when he came to speak at Mahoning County Juvenile Court last week.
He grew up just a few blocks from where the court building sits on East Scott Street.
"I come from that part of town," said Policy, a former Mahoning County lawyer and now president of the Cleveland Browns.
Policy said that as a child he lived on East Rayen Avenue near the Oak Street bridge.
Though his job now has him in Cleveland and keeps him busy shuttling around the country, Policy squeezed in time to be the guest speaker for the first graduation ceremony of treatment court at the juvenile center.
About the court
Treatment court is patterned after drug courts that are in place for adults at the county's felony and misdemeanor courts, but also addresses mental health issues for juveniles, said Judge Theresa Dellick.
The speaking engagement wasn't Policy's first show of support for the juvenile court.
Last year he donated a block of tickets so kids who participated in the juvenile court's probation program could attend a Browns game.
Judge Dellick said it was a reward for those who'd complied with program guidelines and shown improved behavior.
Policy said he came up with the idea after being contacted by Richard White, juvenile court chief magistrate, who worked in the same law firm with Policy several years ago.
White was looking for ways to offer positive reinforcement for juveniles.
The kids were driven to the stadium by court staff and met by team representatives, who gave them hats and T-shirts. Some got their picture taken with Policy.
The idea worked out so well that Policy did the same thing this year, and said he intends to make it an annual event.
"The kids seem to really enjoy it," he said.
How tickets help
Judge Dellick said the court can't afford to buy the tickets, so the donation is a valuable tool in helping reward positive behavior.
"A lot of these kids have never seen a professional football game before, so for them this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and Mr. Policy gave it to them," she said.
She always tells the kids that the tickets are from Policy, not the court.
Policy said it's important to support juvenile programs, like treatment court, because they involve kids who need guidance and a sense of adult caring.
"People who are at risk really need the kind of attention and tough love that a drug court gives," said Policy.
"I just have the sense that you not only show kids that you care, but you're offering up some alternative to the criminal justice system stepping in and punishing them."
"With certain people, this kind of attention has a greater effect than incarceration and a criminal record."
As a criminal defense lawyer, he's seen the effect of crime on young lives and knows the importance of trying to intervene early and turn youths' lives around before it's too late.
Impact of drugs
As a professional football executive, Policy said he's also seen the impact of drugs on young athletes.
Drugs and serious injuries, he said, are responsible for keeping a large number of athletes from ever reaching their full potential.
"It's a concern nationally and it's a real concern within our industry," Policy said.
And as a father of five, Policy said he's sensitive to tough issues facing parents and children.
Though none of his own children ever got into trouble with the law, "My heart really goes out to parents who have problems with their kids," Policy said.
Judge Dellick said having the support of a nationally known figure such as Policy means a lot to the court programs, and especially to the kids who are in them. Only kids who display positive behavior get to attend the football games.
"It's not rewarding juveniles for bad behavior, but rewarding them for turning around their lives," she said. "You have to have a carrot and a stick. Going to the games is the carrot."
bjackson@vindy.com