NCJ Number
122843
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 22-24
Editor(s)
B W Cameron
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Local law enforcement agencies and the nonprofit Community Crime Prevention Council (CCPC) instituted the Adopt-a-Cop program in Billings, Montana, to counter children's distrust and fear of police officers and to build a positive relationship by educating students about crime prevention, safety, chemical abuse, and the role of law enforcement in their community.
Abstract
An extension of the CCPC Kids Against Crime program, Adopt-a-Cop has involved 55 officers who dedicate their free time to visiting their "kids" and schools. Teachers include the school's officer in their curricula; the officer is a guest at school functions and is often called upon to help a student in trouble or manage problems caused by outsiders. School and police officials believe the effects have been positive, as children begin to see that officers are human and can be their friends.