Children at a local caravan park were excited to get some one-on-one interaction with our local emergency services last week when three police officers hosted a meet and greet session with holidaymakers.
Over 50 children flocked around the police car and were free to sit in the driver’s seat, wear a police hat, try on a bullet proof vest, and ask a barrage of questions to the accommodating officers.
Constable Jessica Leech said she was thrilled that so many children took the opportunity to engage with them and that she was able to pass on important information in a relaxed and friendly environment.
“It’s been really well received; all the kids have jumped in the car and put on the hats and had a really good time,” she said.
“We’ve spoken to them about who they call in an emergency and about safe bike riding.
“The aim is to create awareness in relation to what police do out on the streets but also for public safety – to encourage children to know who to call when there is an emergency.
“We are also here to create awareness and education around different issues that are relevant at the moment in regards to child offences.”
Handing out information packs to parents on cyber safety was an important initiative on the day.
“Children are very quick to learn, and they all love devices!” said Constable Leech.
“Kids absorb everything – they are like little sponges.”
Most of the children were holidaymakers from the eastern seaboard and some from rural communities to the west who had travelled to the coast for the Easter Holidays.
Topical questions on the afternoon revolved around what it takes to be a police officer and how many bad guys they had caught lately.
“The Whitsundays is a really good community with a low crime rate,” said Constable Leech.
“But, yes, we have caught a few bad guys!”Sergeant Nigel Dalton, Constable Kaitlyn Cousins, siblings Louie, Archie and Darci Kane and Constable Jessica Leech
Reef Thackray sitting in the police car and talking to Constable Jessica Leech
Sergeant Nigel Dalton fitting a young boy with a bullet proof vest
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