Local law enforcement agencies have joined forces to break down barriers one conversation at a time.
On Saturday, a number of officers and inner-city youth took part in Operation Conversation. It’s chance to play sports and talk and tear down the walls between cops and kids.
The Hillsborough Public Defenders Office hosted the event at the NFL Yet Center in Jackson Heights and brought together the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the community for dodgeball, basketball and conversation.
The event is “designed to foster positive interactions between the police and inner-city youth,” the organizers said.
Operation Conversation is sponsored by a coalition that includes the Law Office of Julianne Holt, Public Defender; First Baptist Church College Hill; Safe & Sound Hillsborough and Tampa Parks and Recreation.
The organizations help middle and high school students interact with local law enforcement officers in a friendly atmosphere in an effort to foster mutual respect and understanding by encouraging communication and teamwork.
