Police and First-Years Play Softball to Improve Relations

Harvard police and firs-years played in the firs annual "Freshmen vs. Lawmen" softball game Saturday morning at Soldier's Field.

The event, which was organized by Bridger E. McGaw '97, was aimed at improving student-police relations.

"I just want to see an increase in student relations with the police department," McGaw said of the event which he has been planning for three weeks. "We get to know each other and have a good time together."

About 20 first-years and 25 police officers played as 30 spectators watched the game, which featured two mixed teams of students and police.

"Officers get to recognize some students, [and] students get to know [officers] outside of official business," said Michael Middleton, assistant dean of first-year students.

Middleton, who played centerfield, took the field along with his dog, Chelsea.

Saturday's game was the first such event in recent memory, according to 25-year veteran police officer Thomas "Jurassic Cop" Hustus.

Hustus, who earned his nickname because of his lengthy career in the department, played in his first softball game in over 20 years Saturday.

Police Chief Paul E. Johnson called the balls and strikes, which no one disputed Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III looked on for several innings, declining several requests to play in the game.

Johnson and Epps have both been working together to improve relations between the police and students during the past year.

McGaw said he hopes the students and police who played in the game will now recognize each other and begin to view each other as friends.

McGaw said he will try to found a University organization like Crimson Key, which will sponsor future softball games and other athletic events between students and police.

McGaw said he is planning to hold another athletic event during the first month of school next year.

"It was a great experience to get into an athletic situation with these guys," said Michael B. Smith '97.

"They play some mean ball," Smith said of the officers.

Officers Robert Kotowski, who is the head of the police officer's union, said this event helped students get to know police personally.

"There is a person behind every uniform and very badge," said Kotowski, who came to the game with his wife and his newborn son.

Kotowski emphasized the hard work which officers put into policing the University.

"It's not an easy job," Kotowski said.

Several officers echoed Kotowski's remarks about the importance of brings students and officers together.

"Anytime you can bring together any police officer with the community they are policing...you will improve relations," said Officer Jack O'Kane, who played in the game. "It is worth four hours on a Saturday morning."

The police Department provided the athletic equipment and commemorative T-shirts. Crimson catering provided a buffet table, and the Athletic Department donated use of the field.

This reporter played third base in the game. Neither team could be declared winners, as the players lost count of the score.