March community outreach events

The Yale Police Department (YPD) teamed up with the Yale African American Affinity (YAAA) Group to purchase and present a brand-new bicycle and helmet to a student at East Rock Community Magnet School in New Haven.

Members of the YPD and YAAA attended the school’s monthly assembly and surprised first-grader Dacoree. He was chosen by the school’s leadership for his positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and the kindness and friendship he shows to his teachers and classmates. 

Community outreach is a shared goal of the YPD and YAAA. Officer Greg Swiantek reached out to Reese McLeod, YAAA Co-chair, and discussed finding a deserving student. They had met during a previous collaboration with all the Yale Affinity Groups collecting warm clothing for the New Haven community this past winter.

Reese networked within the YAAA and NAACP communities who put her in touch with the principal of the East Rock school. Dacoree was a standout among many of the teachers and administrators at the school. “We want to recognize students for doing good things or being good citizens in our community. Attending the bike giveaway event and seeing his sweet and excited reaction was wonderful. All the connections that went into learning about Dacoree are important to good community relations and the Yale Police have been great partners,” said Reese.

Special thanks to Officers Gregg Swiantek, Michael Claxton, Captain Von Narcisse, and Reese McLeod YAAA, Co-chair. 

Supporting a monthly grocery giveaway

Members of the YPD continue to support the Community Baptist Church in New Haven with their monthly grocery giveaway.

The church collects non-perishable food items and more from local food banks and monthly provides groceries to families in need. Several YPD officers helped pick up boxes of donated food items and deliver them to the church. They also assisted in distributing the food at the event serving about 50 people in the parish and local neighborhood.

Special thanks to Officers Gregg Swiantek, Adam Marong, and Michael Claxton for participating.