The Picayune Police department has implemented a new service on their website for teenagers to express concerns or have questions answered.

Students can access the new service, Teen 411, by visiting the Website, www.picayunepolicedepartment.com, and clicking the link on the left hand side of the page. If parents have a teen-related problem, Teen 411 is available to them as well, but the service is primarily for teens, said Police Chief Jim Luke.

“Our youth is our future, our number one priority,” Luke said.

The service can be used to report concerns of friends with drug problems or to have questions answered anonymously, Luke said. If, however, students or parents would like a response to questions, they can leave an e-mail address.

“We’re showing we care about your views and your opinion,” said LaMar Thompson with the Picayune Police.

Possible questions could include what a speed limit is on a certain road, why the city needs speed limits or how much a ticket will cost, Luke said. Students also can use the service to pose ideas and questions to the Picayune City Council or mayor, Ervin said. In addition, the service could be used by students to share ideas for the student security council to consider, said Sgt. Bryan Dawsey.

“Anything that may be involved with the City of Picayune,” Luke said.

Questions will be answered as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours, Luke said.

Picayune’s Teen 411 is the only one like it implemented in the state, said Deputy Chief David Ervin, who conducted some research concerning programs offered by law enforcement agencies in other communities.

“We hope others will follow if it is successful,” Luke said.

Students in the Picayune school district security council also think the program could be useful to students such as themselves.

“I think it’s a good idea because some students are scared to talk to officers,” said security council member Tiffany Reed.

“The program itself is for the betterment of the community,” said school security council member Carl Woodson.