Richland Police Department launches summer program to connect with youth, the community

RICHLAND, Wash. - The Richland Police Department has kicked off a test program that is designed to connect law enforcement officers with the youth in the communities they serve.

Officer Amador Sanchez and Commander Damon Jansen with the Richland Police Department said "Kickin' It with the Cops" is a way to help young people see officers as positive role models.

"We're out on the road. Sometimes, it's hard to interact with the community but sometimes, you know, football or a soccer ball could remind them the officers are actually out here and trying to protect the community," Officer Sanchez said. "It also lets us interact with the kids as well."

Officers with the police department will have soccer balls and footballs with them and when they have a moment from their regular shift, they'll hit the streets, ready to play a game of catch or kick a few goals. The balls were donated with funds from the Richland Police Department Foundation. The program also serves as a reminder to people that officers are not just badges and guns, but people who are part of the community.

Commander Jansen said it's a way to reach out and connect. "It gives a little bit of an opportunity for them to talk and realize that we're people. We're not just cops and someone to avoid. We're real people. We like to play ball, play sports and we like to hang out with the kids and have fun."

Officer Sanchez said the program can let children know it's safe to reach out if and when they need help. "We build trust with them. It may start with the football interaction but, you know, kids that are involved in incidents will see us a lot and there might be some negativity there." Officer Sanchez said with a program like the one they are working to implement, it helps kids realize officers, while they have a job to do, are still people who can help.

The program is built to ultimately improve the community connection and communication, Commander Jansen said. "We hope that it will make it easier for people to engage with us for the adults. They see that we're talking with kids, maybe their own kids. That usually goes over really well for the kids themselves to be able to be able to approach us."

Officer Sanchez and Commander Jansen said the positive interaction could also spark an interest in kids' lives to one day be a part of the Richland Police Department.

"Kickin' It with the Cops" is right now a test program. There are more than two dozen athletic balls for officers to hand out. If it goes well, the department wants to consider doing more programs like this to stay connected to the community.

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