Garner Police Department 2019 Annual Report Published August 2020 | Page 9

In 2019, the Garner Police Department launched Barber Shop Rap Sessions as part of an ongoing effort to
improve relations between law enforcement and communities of color.
Schenck Forest. There they learned about team building
and developed self-confidence by overcoming high
ropes courses and a zip line. Students completed a
community service project by conducting a litter
sweep on Vandora Springs Rd. Students also had the
opportunity to participate in a laser tag competition at
Panic Point and ended the week with go-carts at Rush
Hour Carting. Choices for Chase was new addition
to this year’s camp with a moving presentation that
focused on “choices” and one mother’s struggle with
the loss of her child due to an accident.
BARBER SHOP RAP SESSIONS
The Garner Police Department partnered with two
local barber shops to help build bridges between law
enforcement and communities of color. This was done
through a coordinated effort with various facilitators
to include Tru Pettigrew, founder and president of Tru
Access. The purpose of the barber shop rap sessions
is to create relationships with multicultural community
members through dialogue about community and
police-related issues. Our hope is to not only continue
this initiative with our current barber shops, but to
expand to other locations, to continue to collaborate
with various community partners, and build a stronger
and more inclusive community for the residents of
Garner.
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Members of the Garner Police Department serve
as volunteer members, leaders, and officers of a
number of civic organizations in the town, including
the Civitan Club, Optimist Club, the Garner Educational
Foundation, and the Rotary Club. Many
of our employees also serve as volunteer coaches
and mentors in area sports leagues and after-school
programs.
Membership in these organizations allows our
personnel and members of the community to become
better affiliated with one another outside of normal
police interactions. It also allows our employees to
demonstrate community leadership outside of their
roles with the Police Department.
GARNER POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 9