State Police aim to reach youth through basketball events around Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Last year, the MSP Basketball Cop initiative reached over 400 youth and had over 950 attendees at three events.

This year, the event is expanding to 11 locations.

The statewide program aims to connect officers with young people where they live and play, using basketball, music and food.

MSP ‘Troopers on Tour’ events will be held in:

• Lansing
• Highland Park
• Saginaw
• Dearborn
• Muskegon Heights
• Flint
• Riverview
• Marquette
• Traverse City
• Detroit
• Inkster

“Michigan’s youth are the future of our state and the best way to build trust with them is by making personal connections using activities they enjoy like sports, music and food,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “We want kids and teens to know that police officers are here for them, not just in times of crisis, but as mentors, supporters and partners within their communities. These ‘Troopers on Tour’ Basketball Cop events allow us to have authentic conversations in an informal and fun setting, helping us to build meaningful relationships and establish trust so young people can always turn to us for help.”