RACINE, Wis. — The Racine Police Department is focused on building a stronger connection with children in the community.

Officers invited dozens of kids to play various games with them at their Villa Street COP House.

Natalie Allen, 11, was one of the kids playing UNO with officers. It wasn’t how Allen originally envisioned her afternoon, but when she got an invite from law enforcement, she decided to change her plans.

“I didn’t mind because I wanted to see what video games they had,” said Allen.

Sgt. James Pettis helped organize this event.

It is also a partnership with an initiative called “Get off the Streets” that began in Illinois to keep kids out of trouble.

Pettis explained they wanted to be a part of it because of the violence their community has seen.
The goal is to host events like these once a week.

“I think it’s more important now than ever that we make connections that would build a rapport with kids and we build on that as an opportunity so that when kids experience conflict, when kids see challenges in their own neighborhoods that they feel comfortable talking to us about it,” Sgt. Pettis said. “I don’t think that there is a better way for us to do this than informally. Being out here, getting to know first names.”

Allen is a fan of that idea.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Allen said. “They get to take a break and they get to have fun themselves.”

Being there helped Allen see a different side of law enforcement. She said she knows she can trust them if she needs them.

A sentiment that the department and the community want to hear.