'Safe Summer Tip-Off' to Take Place This Weekend

The Los Angeles Police Department is preparing for its "2013 Safe Summer Tip-Off" this weekend. The event, which will pit the LAPD against the Los Angeles Fire Department, marks a lighthearted competition and a community event focused on kids, according to Officer Sara Faden of the LAPD Media Relations Department.

“It’s an opportunity for us to reach out to our kids,” Faden said. “We’re making it a fun event. This is a way to connect with our community.”

The basketball game will feature LAPD officers and LAFD firefighters from all over the city. Members of the LAPD Cadet Program, which range in age from 13 to 20, will also be on hand, including some from the LAPD Hollywood and Rampart Divisions, according to Faden.

While the cadets usually work with the LAPD officers, their job this weekend will be to simply enjoy themselves, Faden said.

“This is really a day of fun for the kids,” Faden said.

There will be a festival before the basketball game that will feature prize giveaways including, Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers memorabilia and gift cards as well as scholarships for both summer and swim camps, according to Faden.

The day is open to the public, and no tickets or advance reservations are required.

The "Safe Summer Tip-Off" will kick off with a youth festival at 10:30 a.m. on Figueroa Street, and the LAPD and LAFD basketball game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the University of Southern California's Galen Center located at 3400 South Figueroa St.

There will also be a free barbecue lunch and a host of celebrities on hand, including Arsenio Hall, who is serving as this year's emcee, as well as Judith Hill, one of this year’s contestants on “The Voice.”

This year marks the fourth annual event. To find out more details, visit the event's website online.