Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Police Department
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As part of the celebration of Black History Month, the Boston Police Department visited the Trotter Elementary School to read stories to students— all in an effort to break down barriers between police personnel and the larger community, especially children.
The event takes place over the course of a couple days, on Wednesday, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox was in attendance to read there. WBZ's Mike Macklin was also there, speaking to school Principal Sarita Thomas, who said for many of the students, this was their first interaction with a police officer.
Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Police Department
"I think it was great for them, our goal is we don't want them having a visceral reaction when they see the police. We want to make sure they are comfortable, and the more we can get them in our building, and our children see them in the community, they'll say 'hey, you were at my school,' that's what we're going for," Thomas said.
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Trotter Elementary has students aged between kindergarten and the sixth grade, Thomas says they police were there to remind the children they stop bad guys, but are also working within the community to serve and protect them.
In the long run, school officials and BPD hope that the regular interactions will encourage students not to hesitate to speak to police during a potential problem or crisis.
WBZ's Mike Macklin reports.
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