Defending Kids that Skateboard

[Deathbydefault]

In previous threads, I have posted my dealings with younger people around the library where I work.
They are actually fairly decent, in the sense that they take fights outside and aren't overly loud/obnoxious.
For some terribly odd reason, the kids hang around me a lot and are happy speakers.
Take the most socially accepted awesome guy you know and I'm the exact opposite, yet they bug me still.

Anyways, before I ramble on further, the parking lot out front is a common place for these kids to practice skateboarding.
You can't hear it inside or over the traffic, so my boss was okay with it (yea, they asked permission).
But, for some reason, older white folks like getting in the kids faces for skateboarding and "causing a commotion".
I see it from time to time, but have often been inside working and the kids never come to harm.
Saturday, however, was a different situation.

The area I live in is city, the majority of these kids are black, and there is gang violence not far away.
There was an adult, likely in his 30s, starting stuff with the kids while I was on break, mind you that this is 30ft away.
He had one by the shirt and was screaming in his face right before he smacked him in the face.
I approached him at that point, as he threw the kid on the ground and went to break his board, and informed him of the camera.
He didn't like that for some reason and got in my face about it.

It ended a little later and he went home.
I would like to know a better way in dealing with these individuals.
I would also like to know when the right time to call the police is.

This happens every other weekday and it's especially bad in the summer.
I've grown somewhat fond of these kids, they're entertaining to watch skate when I'm not doing much, and I would prefer that they are left alone.

 

[Sunstone]

I applaud your attitude towards the kids!

 

[Deathbydefault]

I applaud your attitude towards the kids!

Thank you, they have been successful in changing my personality a bit.
...maybe you should actually thank them then?
Regardless, no kid deserves to get pushed around by a fully grown adult.

 

[SomeRandom]

Some people are just ********. There's no "better way to deal with them" because one approach will work on one and not another.
That 30 something guy sounds like he should have been arrested. I hope you informed the authorities about such a thug.

 

[Deathbydefault]

My boss had called the police, his office has the security monitors so I assumed he would.
There must be some sort of method that is effective no matter the scale (e.g. somewhat, not really, very).
I can't do physical violence or threats of physical violence, but anything else will be acceptable.

 

[Jumi]

Good to hear you're standing up for the kids and it's good for them to know an adult is on their side. In your situation I think this is best handled by the police, who shouldn't kindly look at adults attacking kids.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

My boss had called the police, his office has the security monitors so I assumed he would.
There must be some sort of method that is effective no matter the scale (e.g. somewhat, not really, very).
I can't do physical violence or threats of physical violence, but anything else will be acceptable.

Inform the offender that he/she is being monitored on camera, and that the police have/will be called. Grabbing and striking someone, potentially a minor, is an assault and probably a felony in most states. Also, reassure the kids that the situation is being handled in a proper manner; ask the one who was struck if they are okay, and get them help if needed. Cooperate with the police and make sure they have access to the security video...and you or your boss should be insisting that the police take the incident seriously.

Beyond that--is the library labeled as a safe place--here in Illinois we have businesses, homes, etc., that are designated and marked as refuges for children--if they are being harassed, followed, etc., they can go there and ask for help. If the library wants to go that step, put up signs and publicize that.

Not sure what else to do, but that's a start.

 

[Deathbydefault]

Good to hear you're standing up for the kids and it's good for them to know an adult is on their side. In your situation I think this is best handled by the police, who shouldn't kindly look at adults attacking kids.

The police are never my first option here, they're ridiculous.
My run ins with them from just a few years ago was all I needed to know they weren't on my side, and that their bigotry interferes with their job.
They would likely come out and harass the kids too, other than situations such as this one.

 

[Deathbydefault]

Inform the offender that he/she is being monitored on camera, and that the police have/will be called. Grabbing and striking someone, potentially a minor, is an assault and probably a felony in most states. Also, reassure the kids that the situation is being handled in a proper manner; ask the one who was struck if they are okay, and get them help if needed. Cooperate with the police and make sure they have access to the security video...and you or your boss should be insisting that the police take the incident seriously

Alright, thanks!

Beyond that--is the library labeled as a safe place--here in Illinois we have businesses, homes, etc., that are designated and marked as refuges for children--if they are being harassed, followed, etc., they can go there and ask for help. If the library wants to go that step, put up signs and publicize that.

Not sure what else to do, but that's a start.

I'm not sure about labels like that. What I do know is that it is a non-discriminatory zone, and people get escorted out by me somewhat often.
I'm sure I could talk to my boss's wife (also technically my boss) and see if she wants to do that, it seems the type of program she would jump on.

 

[YmirGF]

Better skateboarding than trying to fill their time with less savory activities.... Kudo's for your efforts @Deathbydefault

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I've always found it fascinating how boards with little wheels infuriates so many people. I have no idea what to tell you, but if I ever saw an adult physically strike a kid, it wouldn't end well.

 

[YmirGF]

I've always found it fascinating how boards with little wheels infuriates so many people. I have no idea what to tell you, but if I ever saw an adult physically strike a kid, it wouldn't end well.

I agree.

 

[Deathbydefault]

I've always found it fascinating how boards with little wheels infuriates so many people. I have no idea what to tell you, but if I ever saw an adult physically strike a kid, it wouldn't end well.

Normal skateboarders around here are about my age and much less forgiving of people getting in their face.
I saw a guy get truck slapped by three different skateboarders in the same minute at the mall last year.

The adults can't get in their faces so they come and harass the kids here.