Jeremiah Armstrong of the Mount Vernon Police Department has organized a group called Police and Kids United to help builder a stronger connection between police and young people.

It held a couple of events this summer, including dodgeball and kickball, Armstrong told the Mount Vernon News. More events are planned, including possibly fishing, said Armstrong, who serves as the police department’s school resource officer.

“I know a lot of these middle schoolers and high schoolers, and this helps keep that connection during the summer,” Armstrong said. “A lot of times, once school is out, I don’t see them for the entire summer.”

Forty students turned out for the kickball game July 22 at Mount Nazarene University’s new soccer field, said Armstrong.

“A lot of these kids have never had a positive experience with a police officer,” said Armstrong. “The only time they see us is when there is a bad event going on. This is trying to get them to realize that we are human, too, that we are here to help.”

Earlier in the summer, Armstrong approached his supervisor about starting the program.

“He talked to the chief and the chief said, ‘Go for it,’” Armstrong said. “I reached out to some members of the community, and it just took off. Businesses and organizations started sending donations our way and offering resources.”

Mount Vernon does not have many serious problems with young people in the schools, Armstrong said.

“The vast majority is minor stuff,” he said. “There’s hardly ever anything violent. I’ve been a school resource officer for seven years now, and a lot of the kids I met are now adults who say positive things to me whenever I see them out in the community.”

During the school year, Armstrong is on duty at the high school, middle school and career academy.

“In the summertime, I’m out on patrol with the police department,” he said. “We’re here to help people and serve the community.”