The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mentor police ‘ticket’ kids
Program intended to reward good behavior, create bond with youngsters
The summer season means more children out on their bikes, and Mentor police are on high alert.
While safety is their main concern, they aren’t looking to throw the book at anybody.
In fact, it is a long-standing tradition to reward those they catch wearing bicycle helmets. Such children are given a “safety citation” to exchange for a prize at the police station.
“The program has been running and maintained by the
Crime Prevention Unit for over 20 years,” Crime Prevention Officer Scott Bell said. “I am not sure exactly who started it, but it was created to help tighten the bond between our officers and the youth in the city. It gives the kids a chance to interact with the police in a friendly encounter.”
As part of a normal dayshift, patrol officers are asked to “stop” kids with helmets, give them the citation, and explain the program and the importance of staying safe.
“Although we encourage all riders to wear helmets, the program is geared to the youth,” Bell said. “It doesn’t matter if the officer is in the residential area, business districts or the parks. If they see a kid with a helmet on a bike, scooter or skateboard, they are encouraged to stop and interact.”
The reaction of the children usually is excitement.
“A lot of them know of the program from friends or older siblings,” he said. “They know that after receiving the citation, they bring it to the police department and get to pick out a prize.”
While some high-profile media reports indicate a tenuous relationship between the public and police nowadays, that is not the case in Mentor, Bell said.
“The citizens of Mentor have always shown a great deal of support to the police department,” he said. “Even in today’s climate they are doing so, and we really appreciate it. That being said, I feel that the importance of having a positive encounter with the younger population is very impactful. We want to show the kids that we are approachable, we are here to help them if they need us and that most of all we are people too.”
There is one downside to the program. Inevitably, some children will get passed over.
“Although our officers do their best to give out these ‘citations,’ not every kid will get one for a number of reasons,” Bell said. “The officer may be responding to a call for service and just can’t stop, he may be helping other officers canvassing an area and just can’t stop, he may not have seen the child and the list goes
“We want to show the kids that we are approachable, we are here to help them if they need us and that most of all we are people too.” — Mentor Crime Prevention Officer Scott Bell
on.
“Trust me when I say that it is heartbreaking to see a kid proudly wearing his helmet, frantically waving to you as you just wave and drive past because you can’t stop.”
But comments on the department’s Facebook post about it indicated that they are making a positive impression.
“My boys were THRILLED to get tickets for wearing their helmets!” one mom wrote. “Thank you, Mentor Police! We appreciate you!”
Another said her 21-yearold remembers receiving a citation when she was young.
“It was the highlight of her day,” she said. “Happy to see this is still happening!”
The bike helmet safety citation program is just one of many the department uses to engage with the community, Chief Ken Gunsch said.
“(The list) includes speaking with groups about crime prevention issues, collaborating and cooperating with the school system on police issues and issues related to school activities, providing a safe environment when community groups gather to share their thoughts and ideas,” he said. “I believe it is vitally important to interact with the community to forge a bond with the people we serve. Community policing allows the police department to understand the needs of the community, to improve service and identify problem areas. A partnership between the citizens and police department will build a successful community.”