MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. -- The Michigan State Police Basketball Cop program will be coming to Muskegon Heights on June 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The second annual event at 8th Street Park is dubbed, "Troopers on Tour." The troopers and officers from local police departments, will be participating in Basketball Cop events in 11 cities around the state.
"It gives us an opportunity to connect officers with young people where they live and play, and also to have a great time playing some basketball and listening to some music and enjoying some free food. It really is a family-oriented event," State Police Colonel James Grady II told WOOD Radio in a telephone interview.
The Basketball Cop events are free and feature games such as basketball and cornhole, food, dancing and information about law-enforcement careers.
"The education is also an extra piece of it because we get an opportunity to do a little mentoring," Grady said.
Last year, the events reached more than 400 youths at three locations in Michigan.
Colonel Grady also mentioned they are trying to build trust with the youth.
"It gives us an opportunity to break down the barriers and foster some long-lasting relationships around the state, all while having some fun," he said.
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