Law Enforcement Technology

APR 2016

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8 Law Enforcement Technology April 2016 www.officer.com ON THE STREETS O n January 15, the dash cam video of Officer Bobby W hite, Gainesville (Florida) Police Department went viral. Unlike a lot of videos spread- ing across the world this one was not marred with negative feelings about police. In fact, just the opposite. Around dinner time, a frequent caller wanted police to come deal with the hand- ful of kids playing basketball in the street. When White arrived he handled the loud noise call his way, performing his duties the same way officers across the country have been dealing with calls such as these for decades. He used the opportunity to build a relationship. He played ball with them. He even made an amazing dunk. Then, he told those kids he would be back and he was bringing backup. The video hit the web and the media took notice. When it was time for White to return for the rematch he brought an impressive team, including Shaquille O'Neal. What seemed to be a small inter- action with a small group of kids in a 65-square mile north central Florida town was anything but small. It reached across the world. LET: What was going through your mind as you responded to this call? BW: I had the call before. It's five to five- thirty in the afternoon and kids are out playing basketball in the street. That's ridiculous but you can't say it's ridicu- lous and not go. I was excited because I'm always looking for those opportu- nities. I bought 50 to 60 footballs and basketballs with some grant money and I [always have some] in the cars. I was thinking, "Sweet, this is an opportunity to interact with some kids and start building a relationship." LET: What was your history with this group of kids? BW: I'd never met them. Earlier, I'd had that same call in a different part of the city and handled it the same way. I couldn't stay and play with them but I told them to try to be quiet. LET: Do you feel it's important to connect with kids? BW: Absolutely. There is a damaged relationship between the youth and police. Every kid has a cellphone and social media. The media wants to cover the not-so-pretty side of policing where we have to use force. The adults who are not police officers don't understand why we use force and the An unintentional hero Florida Officer Bobby White became an internet sensation after his community outreach (and amazing slam dunk) went viral By Michelle Perin When Officer Bobby White returned to the neighborhood basketball court he brought an impressive team with him—which included Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal is a Doral (Fla.) auxiliary officer.

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