Cranston Police Department Announces New Community Outreach Initiative: Building Bridges Through Fitness
Captain Justin Dutra of the Cranston Police Department is excited to announce a new community outreach program aimed at building stronger connections between law enforcement and local youth. The initiative, set to launch on September 11th, will focus on fostering positive relationships through physical fitness, teamwork, and open dialogue.
The program’s goal is to break down barriers and strengthen the bond between officers and young people, ages 12 to 16. By creating a non-traditional, fitness-based setting, the program offers a unique opportunity for young participants and law enforcement officers to connect in a more informal way. The initiative aims to promote understanding, build trust, and encourage open conversations about perceptions of the police, as well as the realities of public safety.
The program will kick off on September 11th at 3:00 PM at the Cranston YMCA, where officers and youth participants will partner up as teammates. After a brief program overview and introductions, participants will have the chance to share their perceptions of law enforcement. This conversation will serve as a starting point for future discussions as the teams work together on a common fitness goal.
During the launch event, participants will receive program T-shirts, Greater Providence YMCA “swag” bag, and temporary passes to the Cranston YMCA, where they will take part in a timed physical fitness course, designed and overseen by YMCA PT staff.
For the following six weeks, teams will meet once a week at the Cranston YMCA, starting the week of September 15th through October 20th. Weekly training sessions will be scheduled based on the availability of the individual officers and their youth teammates, ensuring flexibility to accommodate work and family commitments.
The program will conclude with a final fitness challenge on October 20th, where teams will test their progress in a final timed course. The event will also feature a debriefing session, where participants can share their thoughts and experiences. Awards will be presented based on the most improved fitness times, celebrating personal growth over raw speed.
Captain Dutra emphasizes the importance of community support in the success of this program: “This initiative is about more than just physical fitness, it’s about creating lasting relationships and meaningful dialogue that will bridge the gap between law enforcement and the youth in our community. We are incredibly grateful for the support of the members of the Cranston Police Department, the Rhode Island State Police, the Greater Providence YMCA, and our community partners.”
In addition to Captain Dutra, the program is supported by Colonel Michael Winquist of the Cranston Police Department, Colonel Darnell Weaver of the Rhode Island State Police, and Anthony Gibney and Jodiana Lombardi of the YMCA. These partnerships are essential to the success of the program and its broader goal of improving recruitment, fostering positive youth engagement, and building stronger, more connected communities.
Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, stated: “The Cranston Police Department is proud to support the Building Bridges Through Fitness initiative. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with our youth by engaging in positive, meaningful interactions outside of traditional law enforcement settings. By working side by side with young people in a team environment, our officers can foster trust, dispel misconceptions, and promote open dialogue. I commend Captain Dutra for spearheading this effort, and I am grateful to our partners at the Rhode Island State Police and the YMCA for joining us in this important work. Together, we are building stronger connections that will benefit both our youth and the community.”
“At the Cranston YMCA, we believe strong communities are built on trust, and that trust starts with relationships,” said Karen Santilli, CEO, Greater Providence YMCA. “This program reflects why we’re here: to create opportunities for young people to feel seen, valued, and connected. When youth and law enforcement can meet in a space like ours—with shared goals, without judgment, and with professional support that’s when real understanding can begin. We’re proud to help make that possible in Cranston”.
“Sweat. Support. Succeed.”
