Building Bridges program draws police, doctors and coaches to mentor Forest Park youth

Organizers of the Building Bridges program told the Forest Park City Council on June 16 that the group is building relationships between young men and local law enforcement, health professionals and community volunteers.

The program brings officers and volunteers together for monthly sessions that include demonstrations, frank discussions about policing and presentations on career and life options. Antonio Spicer, a Building Bridges organizer, told the council, "Last month, you opened your chambers, also provided food as well as drinks...we're here to say thank you." Dr. Roosevelt Walker, who introduced himself as an obstetrician-gynecologist, said he helped support the sessions because he is “very much interested in the future of our children.”

Why it matters: presenters said the program aims to reduce fear and mistrust between police and young men, expose participants to career options beyond sports, and connect them with mentors and trade opportunities. Officers who participate described a growing willingness among participants to ask difficult questions about policing and to consider alternatives after athletics.

Officer Wilson of the Forest Park Police Department described the program as "phenomenal" and thanked council for use of chamber space and financial support. Sergeant Holbrook of the Green Hills Police Department told the council a young man he had mentored approached him outside a call and said, "hey, you gonna be there Sunday?" Holbrook said that kind of informal contact and follow-up is a measure of success.

Organizers said sessions have included simulated traffic-stop demonstrations, talks from a municipal court judge and trade representatives, and will include trauma surgeon Dr. Ken Davis of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine at an upcoming meeting. Chad Murphy, head football coach, and volunteers such as Chuck Johnson described helping lead small-group conversations and role-modeling.

Program details disclosed at the meeting: sessions are open to boys roughly in sixth through 12th grades; recent sessions drew about 17–20 participants though organizers said attendance has varied; the group has used barbershops and churches for meetings and planned a session on June 22 at Grace Hill Church, 11195 Quentin Road. Organizers said volunteers supply food and small incentives and asked the public to consider donations or in-kind support.

No formal action was taken by the council on the program during the meeting. Multiple council members praised the initiative and asked how they could support it while respecting the organizers' desire for male-only discussion spaces on some occasions. Organizers said not all sessions are held at a barbershop and that they try to balance openness with a comfortable environment for participants.

The council session that included these remarks was part of the public comment portion of the June 16 meeting; council members and staff later praised the program during their reports.