Brooklyn Park Cops Fish with Kids, Build Trust

You may have noticed a large gathering of police officers along 85th and Zane avenues in Brooklyn Park on Tuesday morning. This gaggle of blue and black uniforms didn’t come together to respond to a crime. They were teaching kids how to fish.

The Brooklyn Park Police Department hosted its “Cops N Kids” fishing tournament in the sunfish pond outside the Community Activity Center at 5600 85th Ave. N.

It’s a tradition the department has kept up since 2007.

 “One of the things we love to do is connect with kids, and this was one of the first events that really did that,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley.

A police officer shows a local youth how to use a fishing pole during Brooklyn Park’s “Cops N Kids” fishing tournament.

The event introduces at-risk youth to the sport of fishing, which may be new to them.

It’s also a chance for police officers to build a positive relationship with local youth.

“This event is important because it fosters relationships in a very low-key, relaxed environment between youth in the community and the police,” said Nicole Wicklund, community liaison with the Brooklyn Park Police Department. “It gives kids the opportunity to ask questions and talk to police in a very, again, low-key environment but also it’s fun and they get to learn a new skill.” 

Police officers from several agencies in the region participated in the tournament. 

“I just want the kids to have fun,” Wicklund said. “I want the kids to have a blast, catch as many fish as their heart desires.”

Brooklyn Park