Breaking the Ice

This program is created for cops and kids with the intention of breaking down the stereotypes that have existed between the two since what seems like the beginning of time. One of the main goals is to create a more effective way to communicate and coexist. In this unconventional classroom we have the opportunity to drop the assumptions and pick up a camera. Through photography we can open our eyes wider to confront the stereotypes and find a better way to reason with each other. With each class everyone winds down a little, laughs some more, and starts to see each other as humans rather than a stereotype.

It's always hard meeting someone for the first time, let alone a police officer. The
stiff blue uniform and shiny metal badge, along with handcuffs and a pistol is enough to intimidate the youth as a whole. In fact, its enough to make anyone a bit nervous, guilty or innocent. In the very first class you could feel the tension among everyone. The general discomfort seemed to be experienced not just by the kids but the cops as well. In order to cut through the tension and break down peoples walls, we had a guest name Tema Esberg who came prepared with creative games. As an introduction she had an imaginary ball that was thrown around the classroom to create a level of interaction through eye contact.

The second activity she brought to the table was a game that involved learning peoples names in an unconventional way. Each person would say their name in their own style and everyone would have to repeat it the exact same way. Check out the video below to
get a better understanding.



We continued to play various ice breaker activities including one that involved a little bit of dancing. This took everyone out of their element and got the whole room laughing. The idea was not to embarass but to create comfort and within the rooom.




By the end of the class everyone seemed to be more on the same page and the comfort level had gone way up. Rather than being just cops and kids we felt more like equal human beings. The following week, we integrated the cameras in the lessons and found even more unity and creative expression within the group.