LAPD officer Jelani Janisse - who goes by the name "J-Dogg" while on the courts - was excited to participate in the event because of the chance it provided for citizens to become better acquainted with the person carrying the badge.

"The citizens of (Los Angeles) really don't get a chance to know police officers unless there's something bad going on or some type of problem," said Janisse, who recently joined the Street Ball Cops organization. "They never get a chance to truly know us outside the uniform. This program gives everyone a chance to get to know us up close and personal and see that we're human, too. We get out and play basketball and have a good time, too."     May 6, 2007