The men and women of the Police Department are working overtime and in overdrive. Not only are officers doing extra hours fighting crime but they have also been busy spreading the Christmas cheer. So far this week they have fed and entertained residents at the Sister Cecilia Home for the elderly, hosted children at a Christmas party, and this afternoon Zone Beat Liaison officers played Santa Claus. Our 7NEWS team was in tow and Keith Swift has the story.
Keith Swift Reporting
This afternoon a convoy of police mobiles rolled into some of the southside's toughest neighborhoods. But today the officers weren't armed with guns or batons - these officers came bearing gifts - three mobiles chuck full of boxes with basic groceries such as rice and beans and a stash of toys worthy of Santa.
Inspector Diane Garcia, Police Department
"Since our officers are out in the zone we see some of the conditions that the families they live in and we just want something good for the people. This afternoon we will be distributing toys and groceries around the city. We started this campaign in October and we have over 300 boys and 25 boxes of groceries to give out today."
25 boxes of groceries for 25 families that were pre-selected.
Inspector Diane Garcia,
"We have the Zone Beat officers who are out in the zones and they identify some of the families that will be getting the toys and the groceries."
And while the boxes had names on them - the 300 toys were up for grabs. And so as the mobiles slowly drove through the southside - a new toy brought a smile to countless faces - and that goes for the young and the young at heart. The Police Department says today's initiative is about more than just giving out toys and groceries - it is about cementing the relationship between the police and the residents in these communities they are so often at odds with.
Douglas Hyde, Youth Empowerment Coordinator
"When we do an initiative like this, it builds closer communication and it also builds a closer relationship. The community will definitely see the police as part of them and the show that we are part of the community. It builds also a community spirit and it also helps the department in terms of relationship with the community. The community people see themselves working more with the Police Department rather than seeing themselves working against the Police Department."
But will initiatives like this make a difference in the community's perception of the police? Well it just might for 9-year-old Britania Smith.
Britania Smith, 9 Years Old
"I get a good gift."
Keith Swift,
You like it?
Britania Smith,
"Yes."
Keith Swift,
What do you normally think when u see the police coming through your neighborhood?
Britania Smith,
"Well I would run or go hide because I think police would pick me up."
Keith Swift,
So when they came this afternoon and brought toys what did you think?
Britania Smith,
"I am just happy."
Of course it'll take more than just toys to fix the rift between the police and the community - but it is a start.
The toys and groceries came from donations from the business community, the Police Department, and NEMO. But the work doesn't end there, tomorrow the Police Department will be hosting another party for 150 children. This one will be sponsored by Deputy Commander of Eastern Division - Senior Superintendent Chester Williams and his wife.
