Police, kids use love for basketball to 'Stop the Silence'

By: Andrea Alvarez

Posted: Jun 27, 2016 6:16 PM EDT

Flint, MI (WNEM) - Fifth grader Kiandre Cannon spent his afternoon Saturday playing ball with some not-so-likely teammates.

"It's fun to go help out my community," Cannon said.

By hosting a three-on-three tournament, a number of police departments are hoping to bring the Flint community together through basketball and by having each participant sign an individual violence pledge.

"The pledge is to agree to report a crime to any responsible adult, a parent, teacher, or police officer," said Capt. Leigh Golden with the Flint Police Department.

Building a connection between police officers and adolescents can be a challenge, and parents and participants alike agree that Stop the Silence is an excellent platform to establish a trustworthy relationship between youth and law enforcement.

"They need to know that there's nothing to be scared about, these guys are just here to help," said Matt McLure, a Flint resident.

In its fourth year, Stop the Silence is a free event for children seven and up.