By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
May 11, 2011

More than 150 area residents attended the Kick it with a Cop event Saturday, May 7, at Lykins Square.

In addition to a DJ, the event also featured educational booths, and four rounds of soccer games with Kansas City Police officers and Communities Creating Opportunities (CCO) volunteers.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Wendy Medina, CCO member with Our Lady of Peace Parish. “The community was in an environment where they didn’t have to be afraid of the cops. Most of the time, they’re intimidated by a police officer, but we were in a fun setting, just hanging out with the police officers. No one was scared.”

CCO organized the event and during the break, CCO volunteers and KCPD officers made a presentation on community policing and the Neighborhood Watch Program.

“We had commitments from the community to be a part of the Neighborhood Watch,” she said. “We had three people raise their hands to volunteer to be captains for Neighborhood Watches, so that’s going to make a big influence.”

CCO has scheduled a Neighborhood Watch training for June 13 at Our Lady Peace of Parish.

“They were very enthusiastic about this Neighborhood Watch training we’re having,” Medina said. “It’s just the next step we’re taking together to bring a brighter future into our neighborhood.”

For more information about Neighborhood Watch training, call Medina, (816) 872-6244.