FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With school out and scorching hot temperatures, it can be easy to get bored and want to stay inside during the summer months. But the Fayetteville Police Department is taking action to keep kids busy this summer.
"So this week is the 2nd session of our Youth Citizen Police Academy, a 5-week program that we put on every year with all Northwest Arkansas students," said Corporal Mailk Freeman.
Tuesday morning dozens of students got to watch a K9 and ERT demonstration and learn about what law enforcement does day to day.
"They loved it when we had our motorcycle demo, the students were running up and down our little balcony area, just following the motorcycle back and forth. I mean they're cheering and they're hollering, screaming, and laughing... they're having a fantastic time," Freeman recalled.
On Wednesday afternoon, Fayetteville police held another summer event called Gaming with the Good Guy at Arkadia Retrograde.
"Where they have generously donated the building to us today. For the first 100 kids, they get to game with the police for free," said Corporal John Foster.
For events like these, the goal for police officers is to create trust and a connection with the community.
"Just a positive experience that they got to come out and do something with the police that did not involve somebody getting in trouble," Foster explained. "They meant to hang out with us and they got to see us have fun and just relax and have a good time."
A set of grandparents brought in their 9-year-old grandson to the event and says he wants their grandson to see the police in a positive light.
"Well, my dad used to be a cop here in town and it just makes everyone feel comfortable to talk to police officers and stuff... it's a good event for everyone," Rocky Wood said.
And the good time isn't just for the kids, it's for cops too.
"This job... obviously like a lot of careers, is very stressful. And a lot of what we have to do is just constant go-go-go and stress... and it's one of those things where we can kind of relax, have some fun, and just hang out with the community," Foster said.
The next community engagement event is set for August 1, the annual National Night Out event.
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