Louisville Community Policing Unit formed to bridge gap

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Louisville Metro Police are looking to engage with local children by competing with them on the basketball court.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/2hoizLA ) reports the 10-member Community Policing Unit, a collaboration effort between the police department and local activists, was introduced Wednesday night at the Chestnut Street YMCA.

The newly formed unit hopes to combat violence by opening a dialogue between police and local youth.

Local activist Christopher 2X was prompted about a month ago when residents in Louisville’s California neighborhood created a petition stating they felt police officers were racially profiling and harassing them.

Christopher 2X and other activists created the Respect Project a few weeks ago to help guide the unit, which has received a three-year grant and will be focused on connecting with the community.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.