Meet an NPO - Officer Demetrus Pitts
DPD 5th Precinct officer, Demetrus Pitts. Image courtesy of Nicoletta Valenzano
A major aspect of being a Detroit police officer is engaging with the community, and Officer Pitts has made it his mission to do just that.
Growing up on the east side of Detroit, Ofc. Pitts considers himself a helper, especially when it comes to mentoring the next generation of Detroiters. “I just love helping the community out,” he says. “I wanted to raise some youth programs over here, in which I have started a youth mentoring program for ages 10-16.”
On Saturdays, Ofc. Pitts is part of a police program called the 5th Precinct Youth Bootcamp, where young people learn valuable skills such as minor car repairs and community service. He organizes field trips, including visits to the Autorama, and provides assistance to elderly residents, helping with snow shoveling, yard work, and small tasks for local businesses.
With over 25 years of experience coaching young people, he saw an opportunity to create programs that would positively impact their lives.
Families interested in the youth mentoring program can register by calling the 5th Precinct at (313) 596-5500. Ofc. Pitts also meets with parents to discuss their child’s needs, review their schoolwork, and determine how the program can best support them.
“I am like a helping hand to the parents,” he explains. “Even if their child isn’t having problems, they can still be in a good program where they learn valuable lessons.”
But the Youth Bootcamp is just the start of Ofc. Pitts’ dedication to mentoring youth. In fact, he has coached neighborhood sports teams for quite some time.
“I’ve been coaching youth baseball for over 20 years, and I’ve won numerous championships,” he says. “I know a lot about football and basketball, too. Right now, I’ve taken a break, but I’ve coached local teams from the east side of Detroit.”
When he’s not coaching or mentoring, Ofc. Pitts enjoys listening to music—especially rap and R&B. “I was here when rap started, so I got used to it,” he says with a smile.
As Ofc. Pitts is in the later part of his career, he wants people to know that he and his colleagues are there to help. “I wish people had a chance to hear the calls that come in and understand how the inner workings of the police force are, and to realize that most police officers are there to help,” said Pitts. “I am just here to help the community.”