On a sweltering summer Tuesday morning, Temple Police Officer Jacob Sastre rushed a basketball down the court and threw a layup, adding two points in a friendly pickup game between Temple’s Department of Public Safety (TUDPS) and North Philadelphia campers.

“Community engagement is essential to our mission at Temple Public Safety. It’s important that children who live here in North Philadelphia see us not only as police officers, but also as mentors, allies and friends so they know that we care about them,” said Jennifer Griffin, Temple University’s chief of police and vice president for public safety. 

The spirited game happened on the brand new basketball court at Tanner G. Duckrey Public School, just off Temple’s campus in North Philadelphia, as children and police officers alike cheered from the sidelines.

“Police like to have fun, just like the children do,” Griffin said. 

Police Officer Leroy Wimberly said community policing is about building relationships that go beyond emergency calls, adding that the competition emphasized teamwork and connection. 

“Police work means getting involved in the community and being a part of the community,” Wimberly said. 

At halftime, officers handed out water bottles and chatted with the kids about school, sports and summer plans. 
In the end, it was the campers who took home the win, edging out the officers in a close 22-19 finish. As a reward, the young athletes received commemorative Temple basketballs, water ice and Temple T-shirts. 

The children also took with them bragging rights.

Rian Williams-Jackson recently graduated from Duckrey School and is now preparing for high school with hopes of going to Temple for dentistry. 

“They have a great program and it’s my dream to be a Temple Owl,” said Williams-Jackson.

The game wasn’t without lighthearted smack-talk. 

“Good luck, but the police are going to lose by 40 points,” Williams-Jackson said before the game started.

“Community policing is about being visible, showing up for our youth and reminding our entire community that we’re here for them,” Griffin said.
The basketball game is part of TUDPS’ ongoing community engagement efforts. Recently, Temple police painted a playground at Duckrey School. They also collected books for a local bookstore and provided lunches to a nearby shelter. 

Looking ahead, TUDPS is planning several events to engage with Temple students when they return to campus in the fall. Check out TUDPS’ full calendar of events here.