Law enforcement officers use fishing event to build trust in Ferguson area

In the aftermath of the strained relationship between the black community and law enforcement in Ferguson, Mo., a simple fishing trip this spring signaled that there is hope for the future.

Months after the riots that followed a white police officer shooting and killing an unarmed black teenager — an action that was later deemed by a grand jury to be self-defense —a Kids Fishing Fair on a lake in the Bellefontaine Conservation Area is north St. Louis County gave youngsters from Ferguson a chance to see law enforcement officers in a different light.

The event was organized by Missouri Department of Conservation agent Lexis Riter, who was in the agency’s law enforcement training academy when the trouble in Ferguson surfaced. She and fellow conservation agent Kevin Powell, who was in the academy at the same time, sought a way to help build trust of law enforcement among residents of Ferguson.

Fishing was the answer.

“In the midst of all the negativity surrounding Ferguson, we wanted to show these kids a good time and give them a chance to interact with law enforcement in a positive way,” Riter said in a telephone interview. “A lot of these kids had never fished before. And I think some of them were a little intimidated when we stood before them in our uniforms.

“But by the end of the day, they were relating to us coming up to us and showing us their fish and talking about going out and buying their own fishing poles. It was great to see.”

Conservation agents and officers from the St. Louis County Police Department served as mentors at the fishing fair held May 14.

The special day was part of the Ferguson Strength and Honor Mentoring and Tutoring Program, developed by science teacher Albert Harrold. The program was designed to give Ferguson children a sense of self-worth and core values through mentoring and positive experiences.

The goal? To give children in the troubled community an improved self-image and a path to success in life.

This spring, fishing was part of that mission.

“We want to help bridge that gap,” Riter said. “When I put on my badge, I’m a law enforcement officer. But I’m also a mom. I know that we have to show kids that we’re here for them, that we’re not the enemy.

“And I think programs like this are a start.”

No license required … for one weekend anyway

Fishermen in Kansas and Missouri will be able to fish without a license in upcoming weekends.

As part of National Fishing Week, both states will offer Free Fishing Weekends in which newcomers to the sport are encouraged to give it a trial run.

In Kansas, that event will take place June 4-5. In Missouri, it will run June 11-12.

Normal regulations such as creel and length limits will remain in effect. And special permits may still be required at county, city and private lakes. But at public waters, no license will be required.

Memorial Day Weekend traditions

Missouri hunters and fishermen will follow tradition during the Memorial Day weekend.

Saturday will mark opening day of the squirrel hunting season and the first day of the catch-and-keep black bass season on designated Ozarks streams.

Hunters will be allowed 10 squirrels daily. Fishermen are limited to six black bass 12 inches or longer per day.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 11:22 PM with the headline "Law enforcement officers use fishing event to build trust in Ferguson area."