2011 Coppin State university Criminal Justice Symposium

Baltimore Police Departmentoffice of the police commissioner

Media Relations Section

Interim Police Commissioner Davis Youth Basketball LeagueBaltimore, Md., July 15, 2015 - Today, Interim Police Commissioner Kevin Davis announced the formation of the Youth Basketball League. Sergeant Michael Jones Sr., Sergeant Phil Dixon, and Detective Tavon McCoy, of the Baltimore Police Department, created the league as a way to engage youth in the city. Jones, Dixon and McCoy participated in sporting events as children and were often mentored by their coaches. Their positive experience with their coaches and the impact it had on their formative years created a strong desire to give back to the next generation. This opportunity will facilitate a positive experience that children will remember for a lifetime. Many additional officers will also participate in the program, following the lead of Jones, Dixon and McCoy, participating in the games and interacting with Baltimores youth.

The JS Plank and DM DiCarlo Family Foundation, Under Armour, Downtown Locker Room, and Harris Teeter were major contributors to the program. Their generosity and contribution to the project enabled the officers to bring an idea to fruition, helping better serve the citizens of Baltimore.

These members of the department are examples of the dedication our officers show to the community on a daily basis. This is a result of the initiative, commitment and investment the Baltimore Police Department has in the community it serves. Taking the opportunity to be a part in the lives of kids early pays dividends in the future. The officers who created this league are not only a testament to the ideal of a Baltimore Police Officer; they are proof that these programs work, said Police Commissioner Kevin Davis

We are excited to have an opportunity to support an initiative that allows police officers to serve as coaches and mentors to young people, added Scott Plank, Founder, JS Plank and DM DiCarlo Family Foundation. Our foundation has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the BPD and we look forward to being a part of future community engagement efforts.We would like to thank the Baltimore Police Department for allowing DTLR to be part of the Youth Basketball League, said Jeff Bowden, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, Downtown Locker Room. DTLR has always been committed to being part of the communities we serve and this is a great way to give back and give the youth something constructive to do during the summer months.There are many additional contributors including Baltimore Police Officers who have given their time and committed themselves to this basketball league and the children who benefit from it.

The Police Commissioners Youth Basketball League runs from July 6-August7, 2015. Youth ages 7-17 are welcome to play, registration is on a first come basis at three high schools: Heritage High School, Dunbar High School and Digital Harbor High School.

-END-For more information, contact Media Relations at 410-396-2012242 West 29th Street Baltimore, Maryland, 21211

242 West 29th Street Baltimore, Maryland, 21211