Page 51 - November 2019 FOP

15th District creates a hip hub for kids
Ever since Officer William Martinez became an officer, his main mission always has been to make a difference in the lives of young people.
When he was a street cop in the 15th District, this meant edu- cating kids about the criminal justice system and building rela- tionships through pickup basketball games in the park.
It was during these games that Martinez got to know kids from the neighborhood he serves. The boys loved shooting hoops with their local officers, but they felt particularly connected to Martinez after he shared that, like them, he also enjoyed playing video games.
Conversations about video games are what led Martinez to discover the truth behind how these young kids were gaining access to gaming systems and unlimited play time in their neighborhood.
“One kid goes on to tell me that it was a drug dealer who had the big-screen TV and gaming system. That’s how he’d get the kids,” Martinez explained. “In order to play, you had to work for him.”
The harsh reality behind the temptations of youth stuck with Martinez. Later, when he became a 15th District CAPS officer, he decided to utilize his position in the community to create a safe space for kids to hang out.
With the help of generous donations, Martinez acquired a collection of TVs, gaming systems and video games that would transform the 15th District police station into the hottest gam- ing spot in the neighborhood for kids.
The kid-friendly initiative, known as Hip Hop Tuesdays in the 15th District, has since become a hub for afterschool engage- ment and entertainment.
But it’s far more than just gaming that goes on at the offi- cer-led program. Kids who attend Hip Hop Tuesdays work on homework together with the guidance of volunteer tutors be- fore engaging in the weekly activities that are always changing.
“It took off,” Martinez insisted. “I’ve been doing it for almost two years now. There’s been a Hip Hop Tuesday nearly every week.”
While the police station has become a reliable, safe place for kids to gather after school on Tuesdays, the 15th District recent- ly kept its recreational room open to kids throughout the week during the teacher strikes, which kept students out of the class- room.
“Teachers are striking, and they have their reasons, so we’re not trying to undermine what they’re doing,” Martinez shared. “But when the teachers aren’t there, the schools are still open but there’s no class. The kids are just hanging out in the gym. We wanted to give them somewhere they could go.”
The 15th District’s effort to give kids enriching experiences every week has also helped build trusting relationships among officers, youth and all those who help make Hip Hop Tuesdays so successful.
“It’s a great feeling because you bond with them,” Martinez confirmed. “We’re trying to make a difference, and it just keeps growing.”
15th District Officer William Martinez dresses up as the scary character from the movie ‘It’ during Hip Hop Tuesday.
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2019 51