An NYPD lieutenant is trying to build a bridge between the police force and the community.

Lt. Michael Almonte has been visiting the Marcy Houses to play basketball with neighborhood children for years.

He says his inspiration for building community-police relations stems from his relationships with his parents, his wife and his son.

He also says he was impacted by retired NYPD officer Jason Angevine when he was a child.

"I had a couple of negative interactions with police. He changed that, he completely changed my perception," Almonte says. "I try to do that for the kids. If it wasn't for him mentoring me, I don't think I would be where I am today."

Almonte says his efforts haven't gone unnoticed, and that many residents stop to take pictures with him and share words of encouragement.

Over the last few of months, Almonte has taken the kids to a baseball game and helped organize various drives and clinics.