Members of The New York City Police Foundation teamed up with Montefiore Hospital to host a daylong health and social event at Norwood’s Williamsbridge Oval park on Friday, August 16, as part of the foundation’s “Options” programming.

 

According to the NYPD, the program harnesses modern technology and builds on the fundamentals of neighborhood policing to help young New Yorkers deal with and overcome specific challenges they may face growing up in our modern, urban environment.

 

“Made possible with the support of the New York City Police Foundation, Options uses cutting edge virtual reality technology to illustrate the link between positive interactions and beneficial outcomes, and better options for everyone,” an extract from the NYPD’s website reads.

It continues, “The curriculum develops emotional intelligence, emphasizes de-escalation, and features virtual reality-based scenarios designed to simulate real-life encounters. Its target audience is middle and high school-age New Yorkers.”

 

The Options program is administered in three, one-hour sessions and can be hosted by schools, faith-based organizations or by other community-based groups, according to the NYPD.

 

During the program’s final phase, participants are equipped with virtual reality goggles and undergo simulations where they may be asked to join a gang or commit a crime, or are stopped by the police. Participants may also experience a police stop from an officer’s perspective.

 

The technology used in the program provides the most realistic and immersive experience in department history, NYPD officials say, and was developed by the NYPD and Street Smarts VR, with funding and curriculum development assistance from the New York City Police Foundation.

 

At the event, the park was surrounded by a large police presence, while Montefiore Hospital staff manned several booths where they performed free medical exams and hosted health clinics.

 

Free food and snacks were available to the public along with a free concert performed by a live band. Meanwhile, NYPD’s offices held a football clinic for youngsters.

A free, outdoor photo exhibit was also enjoyed by the crowd.

 

The New York City Police Foundation is an independent nonprofit that seeks to build bridges between the police and the community. For more information on the foundation, visit their website at: www.nycpolicefoundation.org.