Oregon Police Draw Backlash for ‘Cover and Search with a Cop’ Occasion: ‘Run With out Penalties!’

The Sherwood Police Division in Sherwood, Ore., stunned some members of the group final week after they introduced Cover and Search With a Cop, a modified sport of tag billed as an “interactive” group occasion through which kids 12 and up, in addition to adults, do their finest to outrun armed cops.

Public info officer Paul Mattson III defended the occasion when Oregon Dwell requested concerning the backlash the division has obtained.

“There are all the time going to be those that have one thing adverse to say,” Mattson advised the outlet on Tuesday, Oct. 22. “It’s genuinely simply us attempting to create a enjoyable, interactive occasion for our group and for individuals outdoors of our group to come back be part of us and spend a while with us.”

The occasion, which was first marketed on the Sherwood Police Division’s Fb account on Oct. 15, is “mainly your solely likelihood to run from the cops with out penalties,” the division’s announcement learn.

In keeping with Mattson, the division is understood for placing a spin on group gatherings — equivalent to a Star Wars-themed “Espresso with The Drive,” which inspires residents to decorate up as Stormtroopers and Mandalorians to fulfill with officers for a cup of espresso at an area espresso store. 

Nonetheless, commenters on the Sherwood Police Division’s Fb submit didn’t appear to assume that operating from armed officers after darkish at 7 p.m. begin time had the identical ring to it. 

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“So that you did not take into consideration how traumatizing interactions with cops with weapons have been? You set this up as a sport? Have you ever truly tried group outreach and sensitivity coaching?” one consumer wrote. 

One other individual added, “Intriguing concept, however I don’t assume that residents being extra afraid of being killed by cops than by zombies or serial killers is the flex you assume it’s.”

One consumer stated they have been “torn” over the thought as a result of “my nephew was gunned down by police throughout a psychological well being examine and it’s exhausting to not be afraid of a uniform anymore.”

Nonetheless, Mattson tells Oregon Dwell that if the Sherwood Police Division didn’t put on their weapons, it might defeat the aim of serving to group members overcome the concern of interacting with officers as they’re.

In an announcement to KOIN, Mattson stated, “Generally being in a uniform, it could possibly scare individuals or make individuals really feel uncomfortable. And so after they see us, you realize, in group occasions or on social media, it actually humanizes us, and it creates that group engagement.”

Cover and Search With a Cop is scheduled for Oct. 30, the day earlier than Halloween, in Stella Olsen Memorial Park.