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Gloucester Police Officers to Visit City Schools as Part of “KOPS-N-KIDS” Initiative
Innovative Program Places Police Officers inside Elementary Schools to Build Positive Relationships
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GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Interim Police Chief John McCarthy, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Safier are pleased to announce the launch of the “KOPS-N-KIDS” program, which will deploy the Gloucester police officers to visit each of the city’s elementary schools and spend time with students, giving them a chance to see police officers in a fun and friendly setting and understand that the police officers are there to help them whenever they’re in need. The city officials, elementary school principals, and Gloucester police officers involved in the program will host a kickoff event TOMORROW, Friday, April 28, 216 at 11:40 a.m. at the West Parish School, located at 10 Concord St., in Gloucester. Members of the media are welcome to attend. “We want kids to be able to spend time with us in a comfortable and fun environment, so that they can get to know us better,” Interim Chief McCarthy said. “Many times kids only interact with our officers under difficult circumstances, so we want them to know that we’re here for them all the time and that they can count on us to be a friendly, trustworthy resource.” After a successful pilot program earlier this year at one school, Chief McCarthy said the “KOPS-N-KIDS” initiative is expanding to all elementary schools and added that most of the officers on the day shift have volunteered for the program. “I am proud to support the KOPS-N-KIDS program, as I believe it is a wonderful opportunity for our police officers and children to interact in a meaningful way and in a low-stress environment,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. The officers will make two visits to each school, where they’ll serve the students’ lunches and spend time getting to know them and building positive and lasting relationships. “The most important aspect for us is making it clear that our officers are a part of the community,” Interim Chief McCarthy added. Officers will visit schools on the following dates: West Parish School • Friday, April 27 • Wednesday, May 24 East Gloucester School • Monday, May 15 • Wednesday, June 7 Veterans Memorial School • Wednesday, May 10 • Tuesday, June 13 Plum Cove School • Wednesday, May 17 • Monday, June 5 Beeman School • Monday, May 8 • Tuesday, June 20 The program is being coordinated by Sgt. Jeremiah Nicastro, who also reached out to the Gloucester High School graphics class to solicit ideas for a logo for the program. High school senior Eric Cameron’s design featuring an officer holding hands with two children was one that Interim Chief McCarthy said perfectly reflects the spirit of the program. |
