Community Policing Events Customized to Those We Serve

Not much beats ice cream on a warm summer night.  Except maybe if it’s free and hand delivered.

This is exactly what Tpr. Andrew Sysko was doing one summer evening at a mobile home community outside Traverse City.

"We’re always trying to find new ways to connect with the people and communities we serve,” said Michigan State Police Tpr. Andrew Sysko of the Traverse City Post. “We know people are busy or may not be able to make it to an event, so we brought Cone with a Cop to them.”

Donations from area businesses covered the cost of the sweet treats, which troopers and sheriff’s deputies loaded into coolers and then cruisers. They hit the road, then their lights and sirens to notify the neighborhood.

“This is our version of an ice cream truck,” joked Trooper Sysko, "to show that we’re still here and happy to serve you – an ice cream cone or whatever you need.”

In Lapeer last week, it was Sunny Day Camp, a day of fun and mentorship for students with disabilities ahead of the new school year.

The MSP Grants and Community Services Division (GCSD) and Lapeer Post partnered with Special Olympics Michigan, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Lapeer Police Department and Lapeer County Intermediate School District to host Sunny Day Camp, a day-long program where no one is left out of interacting with the law enforcement agencies that serve their communities.  The program is modeled after a similar program of the same name created by the Pennsylvania State Police.

There was a dunk tank, dance party, treats, police displays and teaching moments to promote positive police-community relations.

“Events like this get us out of the post and outside of our cruisers to engage with members of our community in an authentic way,” said F/Lt Duane Zook, commander of the Lapeer Post. “The concept isn’t new for MSP, but we aim to be more aware of what works best for everyone, how we can remove participation barriers and improve interactions.  We thank GCSD for inviting us to implement the Sunny Day Camp pilot with them.”

In Northville Township, 10 MSP members volunteered at New Hope Center for Grief Support Kid’s Camp, which helps children who have lost someone close to them to learn coping mechanisms and build resiliency to face challenges and even learn how to grow through their grief.

“This is an annual event for a lot of us,” said F/Lt. Mike Shaw, commander of the MSP Public Information Officer Section. “We learn so much from these brave kids. We hope they know how much we care and enjoy being able to play a small part in helping them to work through a tough time.”