Tampa Police Launch Sports Initiative To Build Relationships With Kids

TAMPA, FL — As part of the Tampa Police Department's ongoing expansion of its community outreach efforts, the department announced the launch of a new initiative revolving around sports themes.

The program, titled "Sharing Possibilities with Our Residents Through Sports" (SPORTS), seeks to create a positive relationship between the police and the community, particularly kids.

"We are excited to launch our new SPORTS initiative as another way to build relationships between our police officers and the community we serve,"said Calvin Johnson, deputy chief of community outreach and professional standards, who will lead the initiative. "We believe that sports can be a great way to get out in the community and bring people together to foster positive connections."

The program will launch Friday, Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. at Springhill Park, 1000 E. Eskimo Ave. Johnson will join other Tampa police officers on bicycles and ride through the neighborhood, encouraging members of the community to join them for an afternoon ride.

In the future, Tampa police officers will take part in other activities such as recruiting at local high school sports events and highlighting Police Athletic League programs.

"We want to create an atmosphere where people feel safe and comfortable talking to our officers," said Johnson. "By using sports-themed environments to create opportunities for interaction, we hope this initiative will help us continue building trust and relationships within our community, especially with the local kids."