Dayton police beautify city while engaging community

Dayton police officers armed themselves with paint brushes Thursday to help beautify parts of the city while also connecting with young artists at a local school.

Painting with Police is a new program within the Dayton Graffiti Task Force. The city donated 12 plywood boards, painted white, and delivered them to area schools to be made into murals. Officers with the east patrol division worked with fourth-graders from Cleveland Elementary to paint those murals.

The program allows police to connect with the community, specifically children, in a positive way, said Lt. Andrew Booher.

“When kids do see us sometimes it’s when people are at their worst, when there’s trouble with the family,” he said. “This is an opportunity for them to meet with them in their area in a different way.”

Student Hunter Matthew had one of his drawings selected for the mural. He said he appreciated the help of officers getting the artwork ready to be displayed.

“I worked so hard, I got my hands messy,” Matthew said. “The police officers helped me with the black (paint) for the road. I hope people like it.”

The murals will be used to cover-up graffiti and other eyesores throughout Dayton. Police would like to expand the program across the city, and get students of all ages actively engaged in marking the artwork, Booher said.

“It’s a creative way to clean up,” he said.

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