Thursday, October 2, 2025

NYPD, Brooklyn Theater Group Marks Decade Partnership

Must read

The NYPD and a Brooklyn Theater Group Celebrate 10 Years of Partnership

A Decade of Bridging Relationships between Police and the Community

The NYPD and a Brooklyn theater group founded following the killing of Eric Garner are celebrating 10 years of bridging relationships between police and the community. Dubbed “To Protect, Serve, and Understand” (TPSU), the drama program annually connects seven cops and seven community members where they do more than act in a theater.

A Program Born from Tragedy

The killing of Eric Garner at the hands of police officers on Staten Island widened the growing gap between community members and the NYPD. The initiative, which was founded in 2015, sought to rebuild relationships following Garner’s senseless death through open-minded discussion regarding their respective roles.

Workshops and Performances

These workshops continued over ten weeks, where officers sang, played, and worked on their communication skills. These meetings culminate with a public performance showcasing how both groups have cultivated an everlasting relationship steeped in mutual respect, trust, and empathy.

A Celebration of 10 Years

On January 17, the NYPD and locals celebrated the milestone at the Irondale, 85 South Oxford St. For Susan Herman, the founding commissioner of collaborative policing, TPSU is the perfect way to improve communication between officers and civilians through the arts, which focus on non-enforcement ways to resolve disputes.

A Look to the Future

Deputy Chief at Community Affairs Bureau Victoria Perry cheered on the effort during the performance and stated that she looks forward to the program’s future 20th anniversary. “When something is going to benefit the people that we protect and serve every day, then let’s do it. We’re going to continue to do it every single year. This is 10 years, and we hope that we’ll be standing here again for the 20-year reunion…We’re committed to this program. We’re committed to serving the public and community affairs. We will do it every day no matter what,” Perry said.

Conclusion

The partnership between the NYPD and the Brooklyn theater group has come a long way in bridging the gap between police and the community. Through TPSU, both groups have learned to communicate more effectively, understand each other’s perspectives, and build trust. As they look to the future, it is clear that this program will continue to play a vital role in strengthening relationships between the NYPD and the community.

FAQs

Q: What is TPSU?
A: TPSU is a drama program that connects seven cops and seven community members to discuss challenging subjects and build relationships.

Q: What is the goal of TPSU?
A: The goal of TPSU is to improve communication between officers and civilians through the arts, focusing on non-enforcement ways to resolve disputes.

Q: How long has TPSU been running?
A: TPSU was founded in 2015 and has been running for 10 years.

Q: What is the significance of the 10-year anniversary?
A: The 10-year anniversary marks a significant milestone in the program’s history, highlighting the progress made in bridging the gap between police and the community.

Q: What is the future of TPSU?
A: The future of TPSU looks bright, with plans to continue the program and expand its reach.

- Advertisement -spot_img

More articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -spot_img

Latest article