Cops and Barbers is an initiative started last year by Columbus Division of Police Ofc Pete Casuccio and barber Robert Cayson. The goal is to help boys in the inner city start the school year right while providing them with a positive perspective on police by giving the boys fresh haircuts and new school supplies.
Rob is a felon who moved to Columbus after he was released from prison in order to get away from negative influences in his home town. Due to limited job opportunities available to people with felonies, he became a barber. He volunteers his time in many ways in order to keep boys from following the path he did. He and Pete became friends in the barber shop and now consider each other family. Cops and Barbers is the result of their mutual desire to help the youths of the inner city.
This year, Starfish Assignment Columbus is working with Pete and Rob to help support and grow the event, which will be held on Sunday, August 18 in Precincts 19 and 13 (Hilltop and South Side) and Monday, August 19 in Precincts 5 and 7 (South Linden and East Side). We will provide haircuts and school supplies for a total of 400 kids!
If you know of businesses that would like to support this event, please send us a message. If you'd like to sponsor a youth for Cops and Barbers, $25 will cover all necessary barbering and school supplies.
