Officers Connect With Kids At Boston Summer Camp
BOSTON (CBS) - On Friday Boston Police took to the waters in pursuit of some kids who escaped the city to join them at a majestic place called Camp Harbor View.
The police officers put their badges aside and went to camp to do what 12-year-old Twon Lord from East Boston has come to do. "We come to an island and just have fun," Lord said.
Dozens of police came to eat, play and chat it up with kids they may one day run into on the streets of Boston. Commissioner Bill Evans had to field some serious questions. "We embedded one police officer with each group of kids and the task the police have was to go and have fun which is rule number one at Camp Harbor View," Executive Director Greg Stoddard said.
The kids come from all parts of Boston including 17-year-old Tyra Westbrook from Dorchester. "I love it and I think it's great they want to connect especially with all the stuff going on right now it's great they reach out and I appreciate it," Westbrook said.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says the interaction with police and community is critical. "It's about working with the kids and making sure they have positive futures and having police as positive presence will help them as well," Walsh said.
Camp Harbor View serves 900 at risk inner-city kids a year. The relationship formed here will hopefully translate across the waters. "I feel it's important because it teaches kids how police really are," Lord said.