Winslow Township police officers hand out free footballs and basketballs to kids

Winslow Township, NJ (WTXF) - Winslow Township police officers are handing out free footballs and basketballs to kids to build better relationships between officers and the people they serve.

They are trying to change the game. Officers are stopping at local playgrounds as part of routine patrols throughout the summer. However, instead of handing out tickets they're handing out free footballs and basketballs to kids.

"We are looking at about 250 basketballs and 200 footballs."

Thanks to a $2,500 state grant and help from Spalding officers are using fun to bridge the gap with kids and it's working. The kids are receptive.

"It helps. Now kids see cops in a different light. A lot of kids through music see cops as bad and with this you see cops actually do," Elijah Mercado of Winslow Township said.