Hot spot policing is about more than just enforcing laws

I told you earlier about how we were stepping up police presence in hot spot areas where nearly half of the city's crime takes place. I wanted to show you that this doesn't necessarily mean just arresting a lot of people. It is equally important to build relationships and trust.

This past weekend, several officers bought popsicles and delivered them to children and families in one of the hot spots. They ended up getting engaged in a few games of street basketball. The officers lost three games in a row, but everyone had a good time. Those residents who were hanging out with the police were truly grateful that they're trying to make their neighborhood safer. The pictures below were taken by a sergeant on his cell phone.