GRPD and District 3 elders meet again on the chair volleyball court

July 6, 2018

Aaron J. Tohtsoni

Gila River Indian News

The Gila River Police Department continued to build its relationship with the Community by visiting the District 3 service center on June 21 for a chair volleyball match with district elders.

After conflicts arose on an original plan, the District 3 coordinators informed the police department that on Thursdays the elders practice chair volleyball and a match was set.

“This is the whole police department interacting with the Community,” said officer Laura Payne, of events like this. “We want to get to know the Community and who we are dealing with not only when we have police contact with them but on positive sides.”

It was an opportunity to meet and interact with the District 3 elders, something the police department wanted to do. This is not the first time the police department has done a type of Community outreach.

In the past they have been active in all the districts for small events like “Coffee with a Cop,” or “Pizza with Police” and teaming up with other Community organizations like the youth council and Boys and Girls club.

Before the match went underway, the officers had a chance to speak with the elders and an informal Q&A session took place. On the court, the elders protected their home turf and sent the police team back with a loss.

“We had a great time and look forward to doing it again. They kicked our butts and we are looking forward to a rematch,” said officer Payne.