TheGrio has launched a special series called #BlackonBlue to examine the relationship between law enforcement and African-Americans. Our reporters and videographers will investigate police brutality and corruption while also exploring local and national efforts to improve policing in our communities. Join the conversation, or share your own story, using the hashtag #BlackonBlue.
One Michigan police department is trying to connect with young people in their community and posted a picture of one of their vehicles with the words Po Po instead of police.
Seriously, guys?
While many younger people often refer to the police as PoPo on the streets and in rap lyrics, the department admits that it was just a joke and the Bath Township squad cars wouldn’t actually bare that humorous moniker.
But the thought of the vehicles with PoPo written on the side, did open up a real Facebook conversation in an effort to help the township connect with its residents and the younger community.
—Colin Kaepernick praises his mom for calling out racists when he was a kid—
The Bath Township wrote:
“So as some of you may have noticed, our page has been pretty helpful in connecting us with our community. We’ve found though, that we are still struggling to really reach the younger folk out there. So in an effort to bridge that gap, we’ve decided to update our patrol car graphics in an attempt to be more relatable to the local youths.
#HowDoYouDoFellowKids
#HopingForAGoodTrialRun
#HopingForMoreWavingWithAllFiveFingers
#PopoWithPupo (thanks for this one follower ;))”
One person commented: “Hahahahaha this is so funny and lame,” said Christopher Abu Kalokoh.
While another person, Patrice Dangel Turner, offered more sage advice to connecting with its youth and criticized the department by saying that writing Po Po is an ignorant approach:
“Maybe, the police department should connect with the school board and create an apprenticeship program for students 13-18 yrs old. School Resources Officers are already on site. Connecting with black youth on a fundamental level; without aggression, mistreatment and bias could bridge the gap. Writing “Po Po” on the vehicle is lazy, really ignorant and not funny.”
But the township says not to get uptight since the decal was just a joke.
“This is just a joke picture we made up in MS Paint, so we are still fully marked,” read one of the replies attributed to the Bath Township Police Department in the comments.
—University of Florida under fire for shoving Black students off stage during graduation for dancing—