Milwaukee youth dance held with MPD officers to build stronger community relations
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Officers with the Milwaukee Police Department got their groove on to build stronger community relations with Milwaukee youth on Thursday Feb.15.
The night of community building took place inside the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee gymnasium.
The music and energetic vibes were supplied by a hometown DJ, keeping the kids apart of the United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee Organization entertained for its first Red & White Dance.
And it wasn't just the kids showing off their moves, but also officers with MPD.
The dance, all a part of UNCOM'S MPD Pals program, an initiative aimed at breaking down barriers between officers and the people they protect and serve.
"When we do these events, and things like we are doing tonight it lets them see the other side of us, that we are human just like anybody else," said Colin Booth an officer with the Milwaukee Police Department.
Leaders with UNCOM said they started the MPD Pals program a little over a year ago so Milwaukee youth could put a face to the badge.
"Now I know who you are personally, that cloud goes away, it's like officer so and is awesome," said Niki Espy, Associate Program Director with Neighborhood House of Milwaukee
Espy went on to say the trend of violence in Milwaukee has weighed heavy on her.
"My heart sinks, and when I see it may or may not be a child, I know my heart sinks for them and their families," said Espy.
Espy said she hopes programs like this can inspire change in Milwaukee.
"If you can stop something or prevent something a shooting, some kind of danger for somebody else or yourself, these are the people you can reach out to for that help and that's important," said Espy.
A welcome sentiment from children now dancing with police.
"Cops are people too, and I feel like there is so much fear because of the guns, and all of like the social problems, and this is a place where everybody can get a long and just be a happy community together," said 15-year-old Sara Vasco, Milwaukee Christian Center.