LCPD reaching out to children through its Youth Leadership Camp

The Las Cruces Police Department is working to build a positive relationship with kids in the community in the wake of the recent violence against police officers, whether it be in Dallas or Baton Rouge.

LCPD has organized a free summer camp with the help of NMSU’s Stan Fulton Center.

Sergeant Carlos Wooten says the goal is for children and teens to understand what officers do on a daily basis. He says the camp is also about teamwork.

“Nothing can be done by one individual and it takes a family to take care of a village,” Wooten said. “What we try to do with the young people here in Las Cruces is show them that police officers are human too and we just want to give back.”

Wooten says the officers at the camp aren’t involved in the political or social aspect of recent police violence.

“We’re here to build up the kids moral to teach them that life is good and at a young age you have fun,” Wooten said. “But also to understand the police have a job but this is one part of our job that we look forward to doing.”

The camp, which is made up of three sessions, ends this Friday. Wooten hopes to continue the program next year.