Police roll out youth initiative
PC Chris Donaldson with children at skate park
(CNS Local Life): Neighbourhood police officers visited the Black Pearl Skate Park on Saturday, 25 February, to spend time with children participating in a new youth outreach initiative aimed at developing a more positive relationship between youth people and police. The skate park arranged transportation for the children from their homes in Windsor Park to Grand Harbour, where they were met by two police officers to skate and play games together.
The children ranged in age from 9 to 14, and the entry fee to the park was waived for the participants. The excursions are set to be repeated on a monthly basis, and will focus on children from different neighbourhoods in George Town.
“Building closer ties to the community is absolutely critical for the RCIPS and there is no better way to do this than through building relationships with children, and by extension, their families,” said Police Sergeant Sean Lloyd-Hickey, head of the Neighbourhood Policing Department.
“This activity at the skate park is a perfect way to do this, and show children that a police officer is an accessible and helpful person, who is dedicated to their safety.”
Michael Myles, chairman of the Cayman Islands Skateboard Association, said, “Providing children with positive interactions with police from a young age is key. This is when their minds are open and positive role models can make a big impression.
“Just some consistent, positive attention could make a huge difference in the life of a child, and when that attention comes from a police officer, it could also influence their perception and experience with law enforcement later on.”
