The Basketball Cop initiative connects troopers with kids and teens where they live and play, using the game, music and food to break down barriers and foster relationships with families.
Last year, the program reached more than 400 young people with 950 attendees at three events in Inkster, Lansing and Saginaw.
In its second year, the MSP is adding eight more cities to the program: Muskegon Heights, Highland Park, Dearborn, Flint, Riverview, Marquette, Traverse City and Detroit.
Director of the MSP Col. James Grady says the free, family-friendly events are the best way to build trust with youth and make personal connections, allowing troopers to have authentic conversations in an informal setting.
Dates and times for the Basketball Cop initiative can be found on the community events calendar on the Michigan State Police website.
