In some communities, there’s a significant disconnect between the public and those working to protect it.
Efforts to bridge these gaps in trust have grown in recent years, but many concerns and issues still persist at the national, state and local levels.
Thankfully, measures are continuing to be taken to grow confidence between law enforcement and citizens here in Bartholomew County; and it’s starting at an early age.
While local police interact with area youth throughout the year, two recent events highlighted some of the larger events organized by police designed to strengthen relations.
Last week, the sixth annual Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Youth Academy was held at Ceraland Park. Seventy-five children aged 6 to 13 participated in the camp, which was limited in capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions that were in effect during the planning process. In a typical year, around 250 local children attend.
While the sheriff’s department was in charge of the academy, officers from the Columbus Police Department, Indiana State Police, the Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Excise Police were all also in attendance.
Kids learned more about the jobs the officers hold, as well as safety tips, while also participating in fun games during the camp. But most importantly, for both parties, names were put to faces and relationships were being built.
Another event geared towards creating connections took place on Friday, as CPD hosted its annual Hook a Kid on Fishing event at Ceraland. During the fishing trip, kids got to know officers while picking up a new hobby.
Like the sheriff’s camp, officers representing multiple agencies, as well as school resource officers, participated in the event sponsored by the Fraternal Order of the Police.
While the events may seem small to some, they can make a big impact on our county.
These types of events need to continue, and maybe even expand, in the future.
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