In Saint Paul, the local police department is swapping out their patrol duties for shin guards and soccer balls – albeit temporarily – as part of a community outreach effort meant to foster connections between officers and the city’s youth. A Community Outreach Program (ACOP), is tasked with patrolling public housing neighborhoods, where they’re kicking around more than just the usual neighborhood watch, as per the Saint Paul Police Department.
Officers have been spotted at Mt. Airy, working with kids to hone their soccer skills, as noted on the department’s Facebook page. The new initiative includes not just practice sessions, but also the provision of new equipment and snacks, sponsored by partners from the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency and SPPD's Youth Outreach and Programming Unit. It’s a brief weekly respite from typical duties, where officers enjoy mentoring and cultivating relationships with Saint Paul's future generations.
The sentiment seems to be mutual, with the kids reportedly taking to the field with enthusiasm. "While it's only for a couple of hours a week, the officers are enjoying the mentoring and relationship building," the department shared.
