
Officer’s response to a 911 call noting a noise complaint comes as a breath of fresh air in a tense atmosphere stirred by police brutality.
In Gainesville, Fla., a grumpy neighbor called the cops on a group of basketball-playing teens, but the response of the law enforcement officer dispatched to the call was nothing one would expect. Instead of dispersing the kids or yell at them, the police officer joined their game.
The incident was caught on camera and posted on Facebook by the police department on Thursday. In less than 24 hours, the video accrued 1 million views. By now, it has over 10 million views and counting.
The cop arrived to the scene after receiving a 911 call about a noise complaint. An unidentified neighbor was upset that a some kids that were playing basketball on the street were too noisy. But the police officer apparently wasn’t in the mood for a fight. He, instead, joined the ones he was supposed to coerce.
Although Officer Bobby White of the Gainesville P.D. was not a basketball aficionado, he asked kids’ permission to perform a dunk just for the fun. The kids were shocked at first but they quickly adapted to the awkward situation.
They even lowered the rim for Officer White to allow him to perform the dunk. The police department was proud of the officer’s unique style of policing. A spokesperson said that the officer could inspire other fellow cops to embrace a more relaxed attitude while keeping communities safe.
The department also pledged that White would soon take part in a full game.
In an accompanying post to the video, the Gainesville Police Dept. said that it took great pride in officers such as White for shedding a positive light on law enforcement amid nationwide tensions.
The department acknowledged that not all law enforcement officers were perfect, but White and thousands more strive towards perfection by embracing a relaxed and positive attitude whenever required. The department also insisted on thanking all people who showed support for Officer White and his style of policing.
Nevertheless, the case is not singular. In 2015, another cop made national headlines when she engaged in a dance battle against a group of teens she was supposed to break up. The police officer told the fighting kids that they should disperse if she was to win.
After dancing off one teenager on the “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” song for a few minutes both the cop and the 17-year-old were declared winners and kids dispersed. Teens were very impressed with the female cop’s moves and were glad that there still are ‘good cops’ out there.
As an old person I say hooray for the cop.However the mayor should follow up by providing a court that allows kids the freedom to play basketball in a positive environment. This would decrease the possibility of people attacking kids enjoying their youth.