CAMDEN, NJ. (KYW Newsradio) — This summer, it’s X-box with the boys in blue. Mario Kart with the cops. A new community policing effort rolling through Camden this summer will use video games to improve relations with the residents they are sworn to serve and protect.
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Capt. Vivian Coley said the Camden County Police Department bought a mobile video gaming van, which they plan to take to all corners of the city.
“We’re going to utilize it in the parks. We rolled it out at our 10th anniversary carnival,” Coley said.
The van has eight seats, and it’s open for anyone 18 and under. Sessions last for 30 minutes before the next round of players can climb aboard. And they’ll be playing popular, non-violent games like Mario Kart and Madden Football.
Coley says the games are a great way for officers to develop a bond with kids.
“The officers absolutely love the games, and it’s important for kids to get out of the house. They’re playing in the community with officers and other youth. We feel like that’s extremely important,” Coley said.
Coley says building trust is a core principle for the department, and the video gaming van will show kids they have interests in common with police officers, which really helps with improving relationships.
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The Camden County Police Department’s methods of community policing are duplicated by departments around the country.
Coley says the van will be hitting neighborhoods all over the city this summer, and she hopes all kids get a chance to climb aboard. But if anyone should miss the van’s visit to their neighborhood, Coley said they should stay patient. They plan to get out as often as possible.
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