AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is aiming to bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement.

RCSO is hosting a free two-day youth basketball camp at Laney High School Gymnasium. Deputies shared the lesson that basketball is more than just winning and losing, but about teamwork and mentorship.

“The kids often see police officers in the neighborhood. So this gives them a little more, gives them a different perspective, and it lets them see that we’re human,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley. “We’re just like them. We dress like them, we look like them, and we enjoy a lot of the same things that they enjoy.”

“I learned to always keep a positive mindset, always push harder, always think that everything is a competition and just keep my head up,” said participant Jamil Walker.

Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie