Date: August 26, 2018
Re: “Cops & Kids Adventures” Program Begins 9th
Year
Issued by: Lt. Jeremiah P.
Marron Jr.
The Darien Police Department, in cooperation with the Darien
Depot Youth Center, is proud to announce the beginning of the 9th year of the
highly successful “Cops and Kids Adventures” program. This program began 8
years ago when members of the Police Department and the Depot decided to apply
for a grant through the State of CT Office of Policy and Management. The grant
was for the establishment of a program that united police officers and
juveniles in a positive way to build relationships. Darien was awarded the grant,
and the program was extremely successful in its first year. Darien applied for,
and was awarded, the grant the following two years as well based on the
program’s success.
Unfortunately, the limitations on the grant award allowed
recipients to only receive the money for three years. Due to the success of the
program, and
the Police Department’s commitment to fostering positive
relationships with Darien youth, the Department adopted the program as part of
its annual budget to ensure its continuance. The program has continued to be
successful every year, with application volumes usually resulting in a “waiting
list.” The program runs from September to May, meeting once a month. The group
of officers and kids will participate in fun adventures together, as well as
come up with a community-service project that they will execute. Examples of
past years projects include a supply drive for the Darien Human Services
Department and providing free smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors for residents
in need. This year’s outreach program will consist of
collections for the Darien Human Services pantry.
Registration for the “Cops &
Kids Adventures” program has begun. The program is free to participants and
will be limited to the first 20 applicants. This program is for 6-8th
graders living in Darien attending public, private or home-schooled. Due date
is Friday, September 7, 2018.
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