Pa. Students, Police Gather for Youth and Law Enforcement Symposium

High school students from across Chester County met with local police agencies and prosecutors for panel discussions, role-playing exercises and conversations about the criminal justice system.

By Jen Samuel

Source Daily Local News, West Chester, Pa.2

Oct. 27, 2026

2 min read

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What to Know

Chester County's annual Youth and Law Enforcement Symposium brought together students, educators and multiple law enforcement agencies for discussions, role-playing exercises and community relationship-building activities.
The Chester County District Attorney's Office honored Det. Sgt. Joseph Walton and administrative assistant/legal secretary Diane Bartlett for 25 years of service to the county.
Deputy District Attorney Peter Johnsen joined the Chester County Sheriff's Office to provide firearms safety training, including safe firearm handling, storage practices and legal use-of-force principles.

Students and law enforcement in role-playing scneario at the Chester County Youth and Law Enforcement Symposium — Students and law enforcement members participate in a role playing scenario at the Chester County Youth and Law Enforcement Symposium.

WEST CHESTER, PA—The Chester County District Attorney’s Office hosted its annual Youth and 221Law Enforcement Symposium at the Chester County Justice Center last week.

The event brought together high school students, educators and law enforcement from across Chester County for meaningful discussions about the criminal justice system, juvenile programs available in the county, and ways to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, according to a press release issued by the DA’s office.

Shaneen Paskings and Youth Community Law Enforcement Solutions led panel discussions, breakout sessions and role-playing exercises designed to encourage dialogue between students and law enforcement.

Coatesville Area High School, Collegium Charter High School, Downingtown East High School, Downingtown STEM, Technical College High School and West Chester Area School District took part on Ocy. 20 in West Chester.

Law enforcement agencies included Caln Township Police Department, City of Coatesville Police Department, Uwchlan Township Police Department, Tredyffrin Township Police Department, West Goshen Police Department, West Caln Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Chester County Sheriff’s Office and Chester County Detectives.

The DA’s office extended thanks to Chris Saello of the United Way of Chester County for the organization’s continued support.

25 years of service

Chester County recently recognized several county employees for their 25th work anniversaries during a ceremony held on Oct. 14 at the Chester County Historic Courthouse.

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office recognized Detective Sergeant Joseph Walton and Diane Bartlett, administrative assistant and legal secretary, for their 25 years of dedicated service to Chester County. Both employees were recognized for their commitment to their work, leadership in their respective fields, and continued service to the residents of Chester County.

Firearms Safety Training

Deputy District Attorney Peter Johnsen joined an event led by the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Kevin Dykes, to provide firearms safety training and information to participants earlier this October. The training covered proper firearm handling, safe storage practices, and additional resources for firearms safety.

Participants received an overview of the legal principles governing the use of force, including defense of property, the castle doctrine and self-defense.

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