March is National Reading Month across the United States. The Salisbury Police Department (SPD) encourages parents, caretakers and children of all ages to read not only in March but year round. Last month, the officers visited local preschools and elementary schools as part of their National Reading Month challenge to read and promote literacy in the community.
“On occasion the only interaction children have with an officer can be when something negative happens,” said Chief Jerry Stokes. “Reading in schools allows officers to interact with students in a different or more positive atmosphere. While at the schools, we’re able to read and discuss protocol on how, why and when to dial 9-1-1 and other topics children should know to stay safe. This has been a great way to build a report with the child just by reading them educational books. It benefits the officers by giving them a time to be in a positive and less stressful environment. Besides, everyone likes to step back to when they had Dr. Seuss read to them, the officers are no different, they enjoy it too.”
Salisbury Police Department is proactively accepting and creating opportunities to engage with community members – both young and old. For more information on future community events with SPD, visit:
salisburync.gov/police.