Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, August 29, 1994 TAG: 9408300051
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The idea, called ``Play Streets,'' is to have police play with children in hopes of building better relations, said Police Chief Melvin C. High.
High, in his second year as Norfolk's top police officer, brought Play Streets here from Washington, D.C., where he was assistant chief.
In many troubled areas, children have ``only seen the police in adversarial situations, such as when we're making arrests,'' he said.
One day last week, a blue-and-white patrol car and a police van pulled up on a grassy lot off Campostella Road, and four husky policemen piled out.
``It's just for a little game of kickball,'' Sgt. Wally Driskell said as he beckoned to several startled youngsters.
A few moments later, the children were divided into play groups. And veteran officers such as Driskell scampered with them across the field.
``What we're trying to do is improve our image with the children, develop positive relationships,'' Driskell said after being knocked out of a dodge ball game. ``We've also learned that the way to the heart of the parents is through their children.''
Play Streets seemed to hit the mark for many children playing with police last week. Several children said their only previous contact with police came while witnessing arrests in their neighborhoods, sometimes involving relatives.
by CNB