District managers from the New Haven Police Department met with students at Wilbur Cross High School on Monday to have an honest discussion about tensions between residents and law enforcement officers across the country.
"I think what happened in Baltimore and around larger cities around this country, is we forget about our youth. We tend to believe based on stereotyping that our kids aren't doing the right things. But that's not what this is all about," said Lt. Herbert Sharp.
Sharp said it's about building bridges and bringing the police department to the teens to let them know officers care. They met with high school students over pizza on Monday.
"We wanted to meet the kids in a different forum; we want them to know we are people. We want to establish a relationship with them, as well as they might want to with us. We want to make it a little more comfortable," said Lt. Sam Brown.
Brown said many residents only see officers when something is wrong, but he hopes Monday's conversation can help change that perception.
"I think it's very good that the police reach out to the community and get to know them so it isn't seen as two sides facing off against each other. We can truly be united as a community," said Wilbur Cross High School student Jonathan Hayward.
"They're really putting out effort, showing that they really care. It's cool," said fellow student Marquis Jagne.
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The district managers hope to have similar events at all schools in New Haven.
