By Ashley Silver
NEW YORK — Nearly 200 children got the opportunity to tour the nation’s capitol alongside New York law enforcement officers this week in an effort to build stronger ties with the community.
The New York Post reported the Police Commissioner’s Liaison Unit and Community Affairs Bureau invited 189 children from Harlem and Brooklyn to tour the National Museum of African American History & Culture. The kids and officers traveled by bus from Harlem’s 28 Precinct station house.
A NYPD spokesperson told the New York Post they wanted to give the kids a chance “to explore their culture and heritage.”
The children ranged in age from elementary to high school and could be seen thoroughly enjoying themselves during the trip.
“I think this opportunity to show the youth that law enforcement is there with them at any given time and wants to support their efforts and just even take time to build relationships with them is fitting at this time,” Rev. Al Cohen, executive director of youth advocacy group, The Community Initiatives of NY, said.
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