SAVANNAH, GA (October 14, 2011): Juvenile officers from Savannah-Chatham Metro are mixing basketball, computer games and Thanksgiving turkeys to expand their efforts to interact with teens and young adults in the area.
The juvenile officers from each of the five SCMPD precincts, focus on building relationships with teens and young adults to present alternatives to criminal activity and support opportunities.
Following two five-on-five basketball games in the past three weeks, Officer Greg Sublett of the Central Precinct says he and his colleagues have scheduled two two-on-two basketball challenges next week, followed by Youth Madden Night programs in which officers will challenge neighborhood residents in computer football games in November.
“The idea is to engage neighborhood youth and young adults in activities that present officers as people who are concerned with their welfare and able to provide support they may not have,” Sublett said.
The other youth officers are Jeremy McKnight in the Downtown Precinct, Cpl. Samuel Hicks in West Chatham and Advanced Police Officer Dabureau Samuels in the Islands Precincts. A youth officer in the Southside Precinct will be named soon.
Next Wednesday, Oct. 19, the officers and youth square off in two-on-two basketball games at the John Delaware Community Center at 5:30 p.m. The next afternoon, Thursday, Oct. 20, they challenge Eastside youngsters at the Eastside Community Center on Geobel Avenue at 5:30 p.m.
The officers challenge the youth in computerized football Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. at the Delaware Center, and on Nov. 10 at the Eastside Community Center.
Aaron’s Rental and Rent A Center have each provided two televisions and PS3’s for the Madden Nights. Game stop is supplying Madden games for the event.
The officers also are partnering with members of Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church in a Youth Family Day Nov. 12. at 11 a.m. with youth activities, games and food. The church is giving away 100 Thanksgiving turkeys.
On Nov. 15-16, the juvenile officers will be conduct workshops at Georgia Regional Youth Detention Center. The workshops will focus on decision making, gang affiliation, peer intimidation and musical awareness. Those who complete the workshops can participate in a Madden Football tournament and will receive certificates in a program for them and their families.
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