Yale Police Officers Aponte and Farrier foster positive relationships with local youth

Officers Miguel Aponte and Ancil Farrier ditched their police uniforms to participate in summer programs for the New Haven Police Department Police Activity League (PAL) and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven respectively.

Officer Miguel Aponte.

Chief of Police Anthony Campbell said, “The Yale Police Department supports community policing and with the university’s dedicated resources to support this effort, programs like PAL and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven give officers like Aponte and Farrier the opportunity to interact with youth during their formative years, fostering positive relationships with law enforcement.” He adds, “It helps them understand that we are here to extend a hand of friendship to every member of the community, from the youngest to the oldest. I believe summer programs like PAL and the Boys & Girls Club offer a unique opportunity that isn’t provided elsewhere.”

Officer Aponte dedicates nearly a decade impacting students in PAL summer camp

Officer Miguel Aponte, a retired police officer of the New Haven Police Department (NHPD), has been actively involved in the NHPD’s Police Activity League (PAL) program for the past nine years.

After joining the Yale Police Department last year, Aponte has continued his participation in the PAL summer program, a commitment rooted in his deep connection to the city of New Haven, where he was born and raised.

Aponte said his favorite part of the program is interacting with the students. Over the summer, he chaperoned field trips, led hikes, played board games during open gym sessions, and coached track and field events. He said these activities allowed officers to build authentic relationships with the students.

“The campers saw us as regular people because we weren’t in uniform,” Aponte said. “We were able to create an open line of communication, and now when they see us on patrol, they feel comfortable talking to us.”

Many former campers return as employees because of their positive experiences and connections with the officers in the PAL summer program.

Officer Farrier’s parental experiences helped him connect with the students

When Officer Ancil Farrier joined the Boys and Girls Club four years ago, his goal was to interact with students in a meaningful way and to reduce the barriers that often separate law enforcement from young people.

“At first, when we explained to the students that we were officers, they were a little standoffish,” said Farrier. “But as time went on, the students were always excited to see us. We were able to build a special bond, and they did not want camp to end.”

Officer Ancil Farrier.

Farrier’s ability to connect with the children, influenced by his own experiences as a father, was instrumental in creating a positive environment. Over time, he became a trusted friend and mentor. He said his commitment to spending quality time with the students helped them see past his occupation and build trust.

“The overall experience was deeply rewarding. The smiles, laughter, and meaningful interactions were proof of the program’s success and its significant effect on the students,” Farrier said. “The students were reluctant to say goodbye when the camp program ended.”

Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven Area Director, Alyssa Carr said the saying “It takes a village” is paramount when developing and guiding youth.

“Officer Farrier, or as the kids call him, “Mr. A,” helped contribute to that safe place for our members. He contributed far deeper than the surface-level meaning of safe by creating an environment the members thrived in. Mr. A engaged with the youth in all activities, from soccer to arts and crafts, and built healthy relationships with both staff and youth. Mr. A was also patient and very passionate. Having our community invested in our youth is what drives our programming and helps keep our youth prospering. Officers helping youth is one prime example of it taking “A Village.” They are not only meant to protect and serve, but to help uplift our community and it starts with our youth,” said Carr.