CONVERSATION OPERATION T alking with members of the Phoenix Police Department, it’s clear the officers have seen a lot. Citizens who cycle back to prison again and again. Teenagers who run at the sight of a patrol car. Systemic issues and news stories that pit kids against cops. Trust is a commodity in short supply. Yet trust is critical for law enforcement to fight crime and resolve situations in a way that helps community members. And it’s required to build staff morale and recruit candidates who reflect the Valley’s values and demographics. The Phoenix Police Department uses sports, education, activities and events to help cops and kids develop a positive relationship. COVER STORY {by karen werner } 20 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | OCTOBER 2019

The Phoenix PD is fighting the trust deficit by building strong relationships — particularly with youth — through creative programs that let officers step outside their usual roles and connect with the community in a positive way. Officer Carl Wunsch is an 18-year veteran of the force who grew up playing basketball. So when the Police Activities League, or “PAL” program, asked him to mentor Phoenix youth, he knew the sport would offer an ideal approach. A former high school and college player, he also knew the obstacles many talented kids face. “Every teenager wants to play club basketball. They want the competition, recognition and visibility you can get. But the problem is the affordability,” he said. Club programs can run thousands of dollars a year, plus entry fees for tournaments and money for uniforms, training camps and travel. “Most kids can’t afford that, so I thought there was an opportunity to provide something similar,” he said. Wunsch created a PAL basketball team last March that, from the jump, has taken the Valley by storm. In its short life, the team which Wunsch coaches has already racked up seven championships, two second-place finishes and become a fan favorite during tournament play. His players don’t pay a monthly fee and they borrow uniforms. They’re asked to pay their share of tournament fees, but even then Wunsch often helps. “I charge no more than $40 a person, but most of the kids can barely scrape that together,” he said. So Wunsch frequently finds odd jobs for the players to earn the money. Along the way, the teens learn valuable lessons. “They’re learning how to deal with adversity, success, stress and all the different things sports can teach them,” Wunsch said. Sgt. Dave Hosfield, who supervises the Police Activities League, proudly recounts how the team recently dealt with a challenging game. “Some of the kids had a hard time getting there, so they had to go on the court with four players versus five,” he said. “They ended up beating the other team by nine points.” “I have kids that have been pepper sprayed and tased and been in fights with cops, but they like playing for PAL.” PAL BASKETBALL TEAM Officer Carl Wunsch