Spots of rain and high temperatures last Thursday didn't deter the Cooper Park Harmony Day Picnic with North Brooklyn residents and the NYPD. The event was sponsored by the 90th and 94th precincts.

Approximately 1,300 children came to the event at Williamsburg's Cooper Park, according to a police official. Events included various outdoor activities, such as the opportunity to play in a bouncy castle and dance to music provided by DJ King Da Truth, along with a barbecue.

Children wore different colored t-shirts to distinguish what organization they were with, such as the 81st and 79th precinct, the New York City Park's Deputy, the New York City Park's Department and the

Police Athletic League.

Wanda Ricketts, the senior police administrative advisor at the community affairs office of Brooklyn North, helped blow up balloons to give away as gifts at the event. Rickets said they had received donations for the balloons from a local merchant. “We're making about 300 of these to give to kids” she said.

Edwin Toro, the 79th Precinct youth officer, stressed the importance of reducing crime by involving kids in their community. “When we say hello to these kids, they don't want to get involved in crime because they say 'hey, the cops know us.' We're friends,” he said.