GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A newer program is helping Grand Rapids police bridge the gap between the police force and children of the community.
Our seventh Connecting With Community Awards finalist is Pathways to Policing – a program partnering the Grand Rapids Police Department with the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids.
The idea behind Pathways to Policing began with discussions between GRPD Chief David Rahinsky and the Boys and Girls Club as a way to improve community relations while exposing young people to what it means to be an officer of the law.
“We have the ability to talk with our kids, to better understand what they thought of our police officers and I’ll be honest with you, it wasn’t good.” Rick Huisman, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids. “Through this program, it has truly enlightened not only the kids that are taking the program, but also the police officers.”
The 12 week program walks youth through police training exercises, teaches life skills and helps them prepare for a career.
Participants called it eye-opening and informative.
“It’s been unbelievable. Just from where some of the kids have started, and just how they look at us, during this 12 week program — it has been amazing,” said Officer Michael Harris. “We had some of them came in, they didn’t want anything to do with the police.”
“Before this program, I didn’t like policemen at all. Honestly I was probably one of the worst people towards policemen,” said Mayan Agboyi of the Grand Rapids University Prep Academy. “I’ve actually got to understand more what they do, why they do things.”
Officers say the program helps participants focus on what they have in common, instead of negative experiences or stories.
“They get to so where we’re coming from, and we get to see where they’re coming from. And together, I mean it’s doing wonderful things,” said Officer William Moe.
“By breaking it down with these kids, hopefully the trickledown effect is, these kids tell their parents and whoever else listens and friends. Hopefully brings us closer together to start that dialog where we can understand each other,” he added.
“It’s respect. I respect you, we respect you and we respect each other and when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t do,” said Harris.
Continue to follow the Connecting with Community Awards and watch their stories every Friday at 5 p.m.