Student CD Promotes Positive Relationship With Police

Youth Sing 'The Police, They're Alright'
NBC 6
Jul. 06, 2007

Listen to the MP3 - VideoLIBERTY CITY, Fla. -- Students in Liberty City are sending a message through music -- "The Police, They're Alright."

That song is one of 17 on a CD that will be released in August. The music was written and performed by children in the Miami Police Athletic League's Liberty Square Summer Program.
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The students said they hope their music will lessen the tension between inner city youth and law enforcement.

"Without the police, it's just a bunch of chaos really," said Laqueena Evans, a graduate of the Alternative Directions Music Industry Training Program. "The police help us through different types of situations -- hostage, where there's killings and shootings."

The students performed their music on Tuesday, urging the community to unite as one.

"If they see them (officers) more as human beings, someone who is their friend, rather than as someone who invades their community, they'll have more respect for them," said George Ray III of the Miami Police Athletic League.

Spearheaded by Thomas Demerritte, the ADMIT Program allows Evans and others an opportunity to produce music with positive messages.

Police Chief John Timoney said the latest release is a win-win situation, breaking down stereotypes and building much-needed relationships.

"The police officers are, in fact, friends with these kids," Timoney said.

The ADMIT Program CD will be distributed free to more than 10,000 students at middle schools and high schools in Miami-Dade County.

To learn more about the program, visit www.theadmitprogram.org.