MANCHESTER – In the wake of the rash of shooting tragedies across the nation, Manchester Police are working to build positive relationships between citizens and officers.
Every Friday night during the summer officers facilitate basketball games for local kids.
It all started about 12 years ago, when officers had some problems with kids getting along in the streets. Through the sport they were able to build relationships with the kids while teaching them rules and respect.
“We’re trying to do a little sportsmanship, get them to know each other, keep them safe on a Friday night,” Officer Bernie Hallums said.
Officer Hallums has been taking part in the Police Athletic League since it started in Manchester.
“Despite some of the times law enforcement goes through, this is really the heart,” he said. “It’s all about the kids, I mean they’re why we do what we do.”
He sees it as an opportunity to show today’s youth, what’s behind the badge, showing the community, they’re all part of the same team.
“I think a lot of times people mistake police officers for robots and we're not robots, we're caring compassionate people,” Officer Hallums said. “It's just a great chance to show these kids we’re here for them.”
Police Chief Marc Montminy said by getting to know the kids at a young age, showing them police officers are people first is how they will foster a better climate in the community.
“It's a very difficult time to be a police officer,” Montminy said.” These guys they see what’s happening nationally and they realize people are going to view all police officers based on the lens of what’s happened in other states and what I’m trying to avoid is that perception that people only interact with police officers in a negative way.”
Officer Hallums said he hopes the impact reaches beyond the basketball courts and one of the young players, Makhiy Jordan, expressed that it’s having a positive impact.
“I always wanted to be a police officer growing up, it's fun to hang with them and see what they do for their job,” Jordan said.
After the kids play ball, the police department provides them with pizza.
About 150 kids show up each Friday, according to police, and nearly double that number come out for the championship game at the end of the summer.
The games take place at 5:30 p.m. at Charter Oak Park in Manchester.
