Out of the Car and into the Community

                   There is a noticeable difference when one moves from the cold, concrete and steel jungle to the suburbs. At least, that’s what I learned today. There was no racing here and there in a squad car; today was about building up to community. I was sent down to a police storefront. For those who don’t know, a police storefront is essentially a local police station that has a larger part in the community. The area in I was in had a reputation for heavy drug affiliation in the 80’s. Built in 2009-2010, the hope was to turn the community around and change the lives of the locals of the 62 blocks it encompassed. There is more of a local out reach. So today I was sent out with Ms. Paris, a kind woman who is trying to beef up participation in the Neighborhood Watch, to hand out fliers for the upcoming meeting. Besides handing out hundreds of fliers and avoiding several dogs, we stayed and chatted with the locals for an extended period of time. To be honest it was more than pleasant. It was tranquil reminder of what life could be when the hustle and bustle melts away. I learned today that there is a common problem in the world of a police officer and the world of a teenage kid. In one there is a lack of motivation to get active, and in the other there is a lack of motivation to care. In both there is a looming sense of apathy. Thus, talking to people today may have been Ms. Paris and I’s most important function today. By talking, making friends, and sharing stories there is greater incentive to go to the meetings and trying to make a difference. The hope is to show the life and vibrancy to the outsiders who condemn the program as cold and dead. There was a particular gentleman who debated with us for a good while about almost everything under the sun. Before our conversation really took off, he stated that the Neighborhood Watch would fail. Several topics later as we were leaving, he said good bye to us like he’s known us for years after opening up to us and sharing some important stories in his life. I have no doubt that he will show up at 6:30 tomorrow night.