East Lansing police officers trade in their handcuffs and guns for whistles and basketballs a few nights each week to teach kids the basics of basketball and team work.
"It's a great way for kids to be introduced to police officers," East Lansing police Chief Tom Wibert said.
Before basketball practice on Friday, Wibert joined about 45 children as they warmed up with jumping jacks.
East Lansing police Officer Steve Whelan counted out loud with each jumping jack, and the kids would chime in. The rest of the night, the gym at the Hannah Community Center was filled with the sound of dribbling basketballs.
About 280 kids ages 5-11 participate in the free six-week basketball clinic as part of East Lansing's Police Athletic League. Nationally, the Police Athletic League, or P.A.L., has been around since the 1930s, but was founded in East Lansing in 1998 to foster positive relationships between children and police.
The league has included kickball, flag football and dodgeball, as well.
East Lansing resident Liana Marr stood on the sidelines Friday as her 6-year-old daughter Veronica ran around with the other children.
"It's just a good activity for kids to try something new or come hang out with kids," Marr said.
A $2,400 grant from the city of East Lansing helps pay for basketballs and gym space at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, and officers hold fundraisers to cover other expenses, Wibert said.
Wibert has coached for the past four years, and his three children participate as well — although he said his 4-year-old son doesn't play basketball as much as he just runs around with everyone.
Officers focus on developing a love for the game instead of encouraging competition, and teach the kids about sportsmanship and respect.
By volunteering as coaches, officers can have more positive interactions with children and their parents, Whelan said.
"A lot of times, the parents will see us as more than just somebody who's going to pull them over on a traffic stop," Whelan said, adding that he aims to have a mentoring relationship with the kids.
"I'll see them at festivals, I'll see them at different things in town, and they'll say, 'Hey, that's my P.A.L. coach,'" he said. "That's just really fun. I love to hear that."
East Lansing High School students also volunteer as coaches.
"It's important to help the young kids get started into basketball," said Tim Hollenbeck, a junior at the school. "Because if they start young, maybe they'll be playing when they grow older."
