TULSA - A community came together Saturday, putting their hands and heads together to ignite change, turning the negative perception of 61st and Peoria into a positive.
This area, known to the public as a hot spot for crime, is often faced with several shooting incidents and homicides.
The Tulsa Police Department recently launched its Community Policing effort in the neighborhood, designating an officer to patrol the streets here and get to know the community.
Residents and business leaders gathered at Johnson Park on Saturday afternoon for the first Ignite the Change movement.
Kids tossed the ball around with future police officers while passing along ideas to make the area a safer place, a concept law enforcement believes sparks change in the community.
"It's easier to solve crimes when people call you and come tell you hey I know who shot so and so, or I know who's selling drugs or I know where they're doing illegal things. It makes our job easier," said TPD Community Resource Officer Popsey Floyd.
Residents pulled this block party together over the past six weeks, along with the help of over 30 community resource vendors.
All in attendance, which included Tulsa City councilors Ben Kimbro and Jeannie Cue, and Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan, hope to continue this community bonding in the near future, and put the violent headlines in the past.
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