White House recognizes Boston police for community policing

The White House recognized Boston as one of 10 cities that have made significant improvements in community policing since President Obama launched a new initiative in December.

Local elected officials, police departments, faith groups, youth groups, and others have come together to make real, noticeable progress since the Task Force on 21st Century Policing was created, the White House said in a statement Monday.

The task force was created in the aftermath of the shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer in Ferguson, Mo.

The Boston Police Department was chosen for recognition because it “prioritizes relationships with youth and the community as the key to building trust and creating safe and thriving neighborhoods,” the statement said.

Officers place emphasis on daily interactions through programs such as “Coffee with a Cop,” flashlight walks with residents, and diversion for at-risk youth and their families.

The city is part of presidential initiatives that advocate for comprehensive, collaborative approaches to community problems.

Boston officers are “working every day to build and strengthen relationships with the community,” the White House said.