Cops on the Court was focused to partner us together to kind of bring this organic relationship between policing and youth because we were seeing some like an influx of incidents there and the gym was kind of feeling a little at loss on how we can bridge that.

So they get to see us and then they drop their ticket in, they sign up on their name and then they get their jerseys which the South YMCA gave to us and then we enter into the gym. There's one to two officers assigned to each team and then they start to practice through working together.

It's all about our officers being able to engage community and engage youth in particular. One to get them busy. Uh two to get them to meet our officers and see our officers in a different light and really just build out the relationships to show that you know we support our youth here in Edina and nearby communities.

Basketball is a big part of why a lot of these kids come to the YMCA. So, we just thought to have something connected to basketball, to connect the kids to a program that allows them to play basketball while also collaborating with the local police. With basketball, it's very inclusive. So, when you're playing basketball, a lot of different people could come together.

It's more of a first name versus officer this, officer that, or maybe met with aggression because they feel uncomfortable. It's more like, 'Hey, Nick, who is a community engagement officer, it was so cool to see you on Cops on the Court.'