Brighten Your Day

Charlottesville Cops Score Big: Viral Video Shows Police Playing Street Basketball With Kids

August 18, 2023

A group of Charlottesville police officers recently turned a routine patrol into a memorable experience for local kids as they joined in an impromptu game of street basketball.

The heartwarming interaction was captured on video and has since gone viral.

Credit: Charlottesville Police Department

Officer Michael Darby said he was driving by, saw the kids outside and staring chatting with them.

Moments later there was a three-on-three basketball game between the officers and kids.

@d.a.d.e1 BALLIN’ 🏀 #basketball #hoopers #communityfirst #buckets #charlottesville #virginia #policeofficer #communitypolicing ♬ original sound - jim80

Charlottesville police say their ultimate mission is to connect with their community on all levels.

"I think it's really important. I think just showing kids, especially just because with the news and everything, it's not always good, you know. I just share with people that we're people just like them," said Officer Sydney Love-Baker, one of the officers in the video.

"It's good to show them the good side of policing and how to build better relationships within the community," added Officer Darby.