ODESSA, Texas —
When people see police officers, often times it’s not during pleasant occasions.
So, the Odessa Police Department hopes that through their block parties people can see that behind the badge is another person.
“We realize the importance to build that trust between the police department and the community, specifically that younger generation," said Steve LeSueur, a corporal with OPD. "We want them to really have positive interactions with us realize, you know, we are human beings a lot of times when they come in contact with us, sometimes it's under negative circumstances.”
The first 500 kids to come to OPD's annual Back to School Block Party were given free backpacks. School supplies were given out as well. There were also a raffle, games, food and other activities for families to enjoy.
LeSueur said people can often forget that whenever officers aren’t actively on duty they also know how to have a good time.
“It's so important to have them and we love we. It's something we enjoy cause a lot of times our officers, as you can see, we have dozens of officers here today that are at lots of booths and they're seeing us in a different light today. And this light we're, you know, having fun with the community,” said LeSueur.
LeSueur also said they feel they’ve always had the support of the community and don’t take that for granted.
“You know here in West Texas we have people here for the most part, very pro-police and we appreciate all the support that we get all these people here and that's attributed to that," LeSueur said. "But again, we appreciate everyone that came.”