Patrol car gets tricked-out rims for community event in Houston
HOUSTON (WPVI) -- A yearly Building Bridges basketball tournament and community event with the Harris County Constable Precinct 1 office has a brand new attraction: a tricked out patrol car, complete with "swangers" for rims.
It's part of an effort to break down barriers between law enforcement officers and members of the public in Houston, Texas.
"A lot of us who drive slabs, who ride on those wheels, most of the time we don't have positive experiences with law enforcement when we get pulled over. I'd love to be pulled over by an officer who has swangers on his car," laughed rapper Paul Wall.
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He and rapper Z-ro teamed up with the constable's office to help kids meet officers face-to-face, which can have positive effects out on the streets.
"This is the community I'm from. I grew up in this community. I also live here in the community. It means a lot to me to see the head constable in our area meeting people, meeting the community, wanting to meet the community he serves," Paul Wall said.
Constable Alan Rosen believes getting to know officers one-on-one can break down any underlying fear.
"I don't want our youth to be fearful of law enforcement. I don't want them to be scared. I want them to embrace us and get to know us on a positive level," he explained.
No tax dollars were used for the rims on the patrol car. They are on loan from Texan Wild Wheels and will be returned soon.
