KCK police plan several initiatives this summer to keep kids out of trouble
By Brian Johnson
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KANSAS CITY, Kansas (KMBC) — Kansas City, Kansas, police are launching several initiatives this summer in an effort to keep kids out of trouble.
Data shows violent crime increases in the summer when teens are out of school.
Police will host an open house on June 1.
“We just want as many kids as we can to come out so that we can engage with them,” said Kansas City, Kansas, police Chief Karl Oakman.
The chief said he is passionate about “Tackling Conflict Together.” There is a football camp at Bishop Ward for kids 8 to 18. They’ll learn the fundamentals of the sport and anger management.
“Because we’re great at talking. But this camp, as well as our other things this summer, is action. We’re putting action to what we are saying,” Oakman said.
Officers will hire police cadets, paying $15 an hour. They’ll also host three youth academies, so teens better understand law enforcement.
“Because so many of our young people, some of their first encounters with the police is in negative situations, we’re trying to change that all around,” Oakman said.
This effort is in addition to the police athletic league. The chief said that people’s inability to deal with their emotions drives crime.
“It’s time we go over the top for our young people and that’s what we’re doing,” Oakman said.
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