Dysart High teams up with El Mirage PD for first Cuts with Cops event

The El Mirage Police Department (EMPD) Community Outreach Team recently partnered with Dysart High School to offer free haircuts and clothing for kids in the community.  Local barber shops ChoZenCuts, XaviCuttz, Linda Lou the Cut Dealer, Clean Cut Rob, and Ron with Old Fashioned Cuts, as well as students from West-MEC graciously volunteered their time and services.  The event, dubbed Cuts with Cops, was the brainchild of Dysart High School Family Outreach Specialist Amely Lopez and EMPD Community Resource Officer Ray Montes.

Ms. Lopez organized a free haircutting event at Dysart High School last September, and Officer Montes thought this type of event was the perfect avenue to interact with students in a fun and positive way.

"We need to think outside the box when it comes to educating students in today's environment.  We need to find ways to interact with them in person.  This means creating an environment which allows them to take videos and photos of the event while they interact with police and educators," said Officer Montes. 

In addition to free hair cuts, EMPD hosted booths where attendees could get drug and vaping awareness material.  The Family Outreach Team was also on hand with free clothing, shoes, hygiene products, small kitchen items, and even some furniture.  Dysart’s Key Club, football, and sand volleyball teams handed out cotton candy and hosted a cupcake walk for kids, and Dysart Cheer and local dance group BreakBoyz performed for attendees.  To round it all out, the kids were treated to pizza and drinks, courtesy of EMPD, while waiting for their turn in the barber chair.

Ms. Lopez emphasized that this event is open to everyone.  “As a Family Outreach Specialist, my position allows for me to be able to connect with the community and put events together like this,” she said. “Our Dysart families need to know that our community is here to support their students outside of the classroom.”