There are all kinds of different ways that cops reach out to kids, from programs that teach them Internet safety like e-Copp, how to look both ways when crossing the street through Safety Town, or how to avoid drugs through DARE.

Sometimes it may involve cops reaching out to teenagers through athletic leagues. Other times, it may be a friendly wave or stopping to chat with them during a foot patrol. But many of these officer friendly contacts can be enhanced when a cop hands a little gift to a kid. Now the positive memory is enriched further due to the child getting something along with the kindness of the officer.

When looking for a reasonably-priced item that can fit in an officer's uniform shirt, consider police sticker badges for little tykes. Having handed many of them out, it is easy to see the value these have for both kids and their parents.

I have occasionally noted at times what appears to be an initial suspicion, particularly from a parent when I begin to approach them. This may be the result of negative contacts they have had with cops over the years or disinformation they have heard or read about.

Entrenched bias can be a particularly difficult fence to hurdle for a police officer. But doing an act of simple kindness toward a child of someone who feels this way can be a fine start. An officer will likely find that the initial suspicious or contentious look almost always washes away when a law enforcement officer suddenly hands their child a small gift. The initial look may change to a genuine smile.

Cops and kids have always had special relationships as police officers often have a role of a Guardian Angel and role model for little ones. Most people are familiar with The Runaway painting by Norman Rockwell which shows a kid sitting next to an trooper in a diner. The fact that the little boy feels comfortable next the officer speaks volumes about the role model we serve as for kids. We protect them and they trust us. The fact that these stickers are police badges also present an early recruiting opportunity for us, as the young runaway may one day grow up to be a cop.

Tom Wetzel is a lieutenant with an Ohio law enforcement agency.

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