ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - For some in the community, the relationship with police can feel distant or even strained. But officers with the Albany Police Department (APD) say they are working to change that perception—starting with conversations and connections.

“The negative light that police get… the stereotype is that we’re all here to hurt people,” said Donovious Hunt, an APD Corporal. “You know, that police don’t have feelings, and we don’t care. But we do.”

Hunt says building trust between officers and the community is a major focus of his work.

“It’s not all about us against the community,” Hunt said. “We want to gain that trust and build that bridge with the community.”

Hunt, who said he was born and raised in Albany, said that mission is personal to him.

“I take pride in serving our community. I was born and raised here,” Hunt said.

Watch the full interview with Corporal Donovious Hunt below:

One issue Hunt says officers are increasingly dealing with young people getting access to firearms.

“They’re not old enough to have guns, they’re not properly trained with them, and a lot of our problems lead from juveniles having access to things they shouldn’t,” Hunt said.

But Hunt says policing isn’t just about arrests—It’s also about helping people in everyday moments.

“I think it’s helping people,” Hunt said. “I like to help more people than just taking people to jail. It’s more than that.”

Sometimes, he says, the most rewarding moments come from small acts of service.

“It’s something as simple as somebody losing a bike and you go around the corner and find it and return it to them,” Hunt said. “That might be the only transportation they have.”

“At the end of the day,” he added, “it’s rewarding to put a smile on somebody’s face.”

To apply to go on a ride-along with APD, visit their website here.

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