KidCop 2006 in Wilmington

May 25, 2006

Los Angeles: Hundreds of first and second-grade children got a taste of what it might be like to be a Los Angeles police officer at the first annual KidCop 2006 in San Pedro.

The all-day event, Thursday, was sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Harbor Area Police Station and its Community Police Advisory Board and its Community Police Teen Advisory Board.

It took place in Wilmington at the Bayview Field, across the street from the police station.

"KidCop is a new program to mentor young kids," said Sergeant Catherine Plows, who is assigned to the police station’s Community Relations Office. "We thought it would be a good thing to introduce these youngsters to their local police officers so they can see them as role models, mentors, and helpers."

Children from local elementary schools could get fingerprinted, run a mini obstacle course and take an oath to be a good citizen in the future. The kids met local police officers and explored police equipment on display. The mounted unit, SWAT, Air Support and bike officers were all on hand for the children.

"We wanted the kids, their parents and the whole community to know we are here in support of their kids," said Harbor Area Captain Joan McNamara. "If this is popular enough, we’ll do it again next year."

Any questions regarding this event please call Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.