Hope in Tottenham has successfully collaborated with Metropolitan Police Officers to deliver HOOPS. This pilot project connects at-risk young people with police officers via Basketball, using sport to bring down barriers and deliver safety education.
By Omar Alleyne-Lawler, Communications Manager
Hope in Tottenham’s role as a community broker established new ground this week when plain-clothed officers from the Metropolitan Police Service met with Diploma in Sport students in an unorthodox police engagement session.
The event, which saw police officers and young people at Waltham Forest College meet, ditched the police uniforms and standard equipment for a more relaxed environment: Outside on the basketball court.
Identified as an ‘at-risk’ group of young people from within the college, this event sought to deter the young people from a life of violence, where their future encounters with the police would likely be hostile and life-changing.
In a two-hour session, students and officers exchanged stories of their life journey so far, explained their opinions of the police and shared anecdotal wisdom based on their experiences. Before long, students and officers were role-playing stop-and-search scenarios, giving students an insight into the officers’ responsibility when conducting a stop.
With rapport built and spirits high, the group took to the court for an unscored game with only bragging rights on the line.
Speaking with Public Services teacher, Kristina, about the event, she said: “The group got to learn from the police and put to right some wrongs about what they think and believe about officers because ultimately they are here to keep us safe.”
The Hoops project looks to run until the end of the next academic year and will seek to take place with HiT and Met educational partners.