(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) received a $7,000 donation from the Police Foundation of Colorado Springs to support the Play COS program. This donation will enable the department to expand its community outreach and provide further opportunities for positive interactions between officers and the community.
The Play COS program launched in 2021 to equip each patrol division with sports balls, such as footballs and soccer balls. Officers carry these balls in their cruisers, watching for opportunities to distribute them to kids and teens during their patrols, and possibly joining in a quick game.
As local children have become familiar with the Play COS program, it has become common for them to run up to officers and ask about sports balls or to play catch. Since its inception, the program has given away over 7,100 balls to children and their families.
Courtesy: FOX21 Chief Photojournalist Mike Duran
Play COS has organized 127 sports and events, allowing officers to interact with young community members in games and other activities. Additionally, the foundation has given donations to three community centers and 40 local schools across the city.
The initiative has gone a long way in bringing the community together and increasing trust in the department, and it has garnered widespread recognition. In 2022, CSPD won the Leadership in Community Policing Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for their impact in the city through the Play COS program.
CSPD said officers are grateful for the opportunity to engage with children and families through sports and have a positive impact while policing the community, and Chief Adrian Vasquez was happy that this donation will allow the program to continue.
“We appreciate the Police Foundation’s investment in the children of our community through this donation to Play COS,” said Chief Vasquez. “This not only shows great investment in our kids, but in the relationship between the police and our community. The enjoyment of sports crosses all boundaries, and these sports balls help everyone enjoy the benefits of spending time playing sports together. With this donation, CSPD officers will be able to hand out sports balls to children throughout the City of Colorado Springs. While our officers get to enjoy the first few minutes of handing out the balls, and playing with the kids, we are happy that families and friends then get to enjoy these activities with their kids.”
Police Foundation of Colorado Springs considers supporting Play COS a crucial part of their mission to provide essential aid to CSPD. The Foundation secures donations of funds and resources to fill the gaps not met by traditional funding sources.
“We are very excited to support Play COS and the Colorado Springs Police Department with this donation and to be a part of the impact that will be made within the community and our police department,” said Nicole Magic, President and Executive Director of the Police Foundation.
