SARASOTA – The City of Sarasota is teaming up with Sarasota Police to offer kids on the Suncoast their new ‘KOPS’ youth program.
“That is going to reach back into our community in Newtown and start creating some positive relationships,” said Manager of Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Arthur Larkins.
The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex is opening up their facility to kid’s ages, 12 to 16 for their new Kids and Officers, Promoting, Solidarity program. The goal is to allow kids to meet and interact with SPD officers by playing basketball, pool, and other games with them.
“More than anything, challenging the community with coming in, speaking with the officers, learning a little bit about the officers, each kid will talk to the officers learn two things and at the end of the night be able to tell us some things about different officers in the facility, what they learned, how they feel about them,” said Larkins.
Larkins says creating relationships between the youth and local law enforcement goes a long way
“If they know the officers by name then they’re going to have a better relationship, the officers will feel the same, they will reciprocate that, I know you by name, I know you’re a good kid, and if you’re making a mistake, let’s see if we can help you through it, opposed to attaching you to the executive branch of the law,” said Larkins.
Refreshments and food will be provided.
“It’s a free, fun night, come off the streets, come to the Robert. L Taylor to have fun learn about the officers, our staff, and know that we are here to have a safe space for you all,” said Larkins.
The program begins tonight and runs until January 5th, and registration is required. For more information, you can visit their website here.