CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. — The Dunkirk Police Department is trying to build connections between their officers and the kids in the community through books.
For the 5th straight school year, the department is running the Police Department Reader Day program with the Dunkirk City Schools. Officers come to Dunkirk School #5 to read books to the students.
Though the act of reading to the students creates a lasting impact, it's not the only reason the department interacts with the young children.
Officers take time to answer any questions the kids have about what police officers do, while also teaching safety tips to the class.The goal is to build a positive relationship and leave an impression on the class,making them more comfortable in the presence of police officers.