SOLEDAD — Soledad Police Department hosted an outreach and toy giveaway May 4 with officers and police explorers accompanying Chase, the police dog from “Paw Patrol,” as they went around town to talk to children.
“We’re trying to build up their morale and make them comfortable with approaching the officers,” said Volunteers in Policing Coordinator Jose Cisneros. “We let them know Chase is out there to bring a little joy to the entire city and give out gifts.”
The idea of having a volunteer dress up in a costume and visit with youth went well during Easter, when the police department did a similar outreach effort with an Easter bunny traveling around town.
“As the pandemic gets better, I’m going to try to get out there as often as I can,” Cisneros said. “There’s always kids out there, looking for something new in the city and we’re always trying to do something for them.”
According to Cisneros, children and families are happy to see the mascots visit them, and the police are happy to brighten the day of youth. He said handing out stickers, toys and teddy bears has made the idea of approaching police officers less intimidating.
The outreach is part of community policing efforts, in which police serve a community rather than put forth an image of being enforcers only.
