Renton Police Department is organizing their next event aimed at the teenagers in the city.

Renton Teen Peace Fest is scheduled for June 3 and it is RPD’s way to create relationships with teens in the city.

The Peace Fest aims to “bridge the gap between the community and our police department” according to Stephanie Hynes, community program coordinator.

“Officers who work the streets have gone above and beyond their scope and duties to embed themselves into the neighborhoods and storefronts that they serve and protect,” she continued. “We have held teen forums that have opened serious dialogue over topics such as racial profiling, racial bias, and talking about the current climate of police in our society.”

The idea for the event came to Officer Thaddeus Kerkhoff when he heard about the South Seattle Peace Festival that was held at the Rainier Beach Community Center last year.

Kerkhoff is the Student Resource Officer at Renton High School and said he’s always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth.

“When I became a police officer, it didn’t dawn on me that I had the opportunity to work in a school,” he said. “I’ve always had a heart for kids, I’ve always dealt with kids, that’s where I wanted my impact to be felt. When I got into the school setting, it was a natural fit. It was kind of like I could be a high school teacher, but I didn’t have to grade all the papers and the other stuff. I got to do what I loved as a police officer and impact kids in the same way my life was impacted.”

Kerkhoff was responsible for introducing “Pizza with the Popo” to RHS, a program that expanded to other schools in the district.

Inspired by Seattle Peace Festival and interested in bringing a version of it to Renton, Kerkhoff presented the idea to the police department and the city, and was met with a positive reception.

“I’ve been a police officer in Renton for nine years now. Every year, maybe it’s the dreary weather in the winter months when people stay inside, but when the sun comes out… there’s an uptake in violence,” Kerkhoff said.

With this event, he hopes the police department can build more relationship with the teens in the community and reduce the spike in crime rates during summer.

“We’re saying let’s talk about the tough questions,” he said. “Let’s talk about racial bias in policing. Let’s talk about profile. Let’s talk about different concerns people have in this community and what it is we can fix. I think the city of Renton and the police department have done a fantastic job in getting ahead of this and taking the steps needed.”

This event is in partnership with CryOut! and T.O.K.E.N. (Teaching Our Kids to Educate the Next). RPD will also be working with Skyway Solutions, Skate Like a Girl and Renton Select Basketball.

There will be a three-on-three basketball tournament with the officers. CryOut! will keep the main stage entertainment going with spoken word performances, musical performances and more. Local skate organization Skate Like A Girl will be helping with a skate board instruction and demonstration. Expect food carts, motivational speakers and opportunities to converse with members of RPD.

“Success will be measured with, hopefully, these kids coming out empowered, know they have a voice, know that they can make a change and the change is going to start with them. That will bleed throughout our communities,” said Kerkhoff.

This isn’t the first time RPD has held events aimed toward teens. Previously, they have hosted “Cops, Kinds and Teens” in partnership with Renton African American Pastors Group.

Renton Teen Peace Fest is noon to 4 p.m. on June 3 at Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N.