Police Give CPS Students Back-to-School Haircuts

Police say the event gives them an opportunity to form a positive relationship with young people in the community

Families made an unusual trip to the 6th District Police Station in Chicago Sunday—to get back-to-school haircuts.

Chicago police teamed up with barbers in the city’s Gresham neighborhood to provide free haircuts for Chicago Public Schools students.

“I just moved up here from Wisconsin state,” said Lataura Griffin. “It was right up the alley and right on time.”

Griffin said the event was helpful for her and her children as she prepares to send her kids to new schools.

It's the third year the station, located at 7808 S. Halsted, has held the event and officials said it has grown each year. Officials report that 195 students received haircuts and over 250 school supply boxes were handed out.

“I’m going to miss my hair,” said student Keshun Spence.

The students were able to eat grilled hot dogs at the event and were sent home with a backpack full of school supplies.

Police say the event gives them an opportunity to form a positive relationship with young people in the community.

“That way we can get our message out,” said Chicago Police Officer Maurice Thigpen. “No guns, anti-violence, anti-drugs, anti-gangs…and if we can start that message getting out earlier in the year, when school starts, then maybe these kids get the message to stay out of gangs and don’t pick up the guns.”

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